Red-tailed catfish

Common name Red-tailed catfish Picture of Red-tailed catfish

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Synonyms

Size Up to 4' (120cm)

Origin Amazon

Tank setup A huge tank is required, 8' x 3' x 3' should probably be considered a minimum for an adult. Minimal robust decor - it is advisable to have all heating and filtration outside of the tank, by using a sump filter or external thermofilter.

Compatibility Very predatory, but not usually aggressive, keep with other very large tankmates.

Temperature 21-27^oC (71-80^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft to slightly hard, pH 7.0-7.6

Feeding Mainly carnivorous: in the wild, crabs, fish and also fruit are eaten. In the aquarium this can be replaced with cockles, mussels, whitebait - moving onto larger fish etc as the fish grows.

Sexing Unclear, males may have a deeper red tail and possess a more slender shape.

Breeding Unknown, and probably impractical in aquaria.

Comments A truly magnificent fish, suitable only for the largest of home aquaria. Smaller juvenile specimens may be found for sale, but serious thought needs to be given to the huge home that will eventually be required. The fish pictured above is housed in a tank measuring 8' by 6' by 5' high!

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Red-tailed catfish	Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Synonyms
Size	Up to 4' (120cm)
Origin	Amazon
Tank setup	A huge tank is required, 8' x 3' x 3' should probably be considered a minimum for an adult. Minimal robust decor - it is advisable to have all heating and filtration outside of the tank, by using a sump filter or external thermofilter.
Compatibility	Very predatory, but not usually aggressive, keep with other very large tankmates.
Temperature	21-27^oC (71-80^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft to slightly hard, pH 7.0-7.6
Feeding	Mainly carnivorous: in the wild, crabs, fish and also fruit are eaten. In the aquarium this can be replaced with cockles, mussels, whitebait - moving onto larger fish etc as the fish grows.
Sexing	Unclear, males may have a deeper red tail and possess a more slender shape.
Breeding	Unknown, and probably impractical in aquaria.
Comments	A truly magnificent fish, suitable only for the largest of home aquaria. Smaller juvenile specimens may be found for sale, but serious thought needs to be given to the huge home that will eventually be required. The fish pictured above is housed in a tank measuring 8' by 6' by 5' high!