The Redtail Catfish is a large South American freshwater catfish known for its vibrant red tail and long whiskers. It is a slow-moving bottom-dweller and an opportunistic predator.
Scientific Name
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Habitat
Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River basins (South America); bottom of rivers, streams, and lakes.
Conservation
Not endangered; but invasive in some regions like Malaysia.
Lifespan
15–20 years in captivity.
Fun Fact
Despite its size, redtail catfish are sometimes kept in home aquariums, but they quickly outgrow most tanks.
Diet
Carnivorous – feeds on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
Average Size
Up to 4.5 ft (1.35 m); weighs over 80 lbs (36 kg).
Location / Placement info
Displayed in the Coastal Reef Exhibit, near the Ocean-View Tunnel
FAQ
What is a Redtail Catfish?
The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a large, freshwater fish native to South American river basins such as the Amazon and Orinoco. It is known for its vivid red tail and long barbels (whiskers).
How big does a Redtail Catfish get?
Redtail Catfish can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.35 meters) in length and weigh over 80 pounds (36 kg) in the wild. In captivity, they often exceed tank sizes quickly.
Is the Redtail Catfish suitable for home aquariums?
While they are available in the aquarium trade, Redtail Catfish are not ideal for standard home aquariums due to their massive adult size. They require very large tanks or pond setups.
What do Redtail Catfish eat?
Redtail Catfish are carnivores. They feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. In captivity, they can be fed prawns, worms, pellets, and frozen fish.
Are Redtail Catfish aggressive?
They are territorial and can become aggressive, especially with smaller tank mates. It's best to house them alone or with other large, non-aggressive fish.
How long do Redtail Catfish live?
With proper care, Redtail Catfish can live 15–20 years in captivity.
Are Redtail Catfish invasive?
Yes, in regions like Malaysia, Redtail Catfish have been introduced and are considered an invasive species due to their ability to outcompete native fish.
Can Redtail Catfish be bred in captivity?
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely rare and difficult due to their size and environmental requirements.
Do Redtail Catfish need a heater or filter?
Yes. As tropical freshwater fish, they thrive in temperatures of 22–28°C (72–82°F) and require powerful filtration due to their large size and bio-load.
Why is the Redtail Catfish popular despite its size?
They are admired for their striking appearance, calm behavior when young, and their rarity, which makes them a prized specimen for advanced aquarists and public aquariums.
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