Red Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Water Parameters
About
One of the largest ornamental catfish in the world, often sold as an adorable juvenile of 5–10 cm, with buyers unaware that it can exceed 1 meter. Vibrant red tail. ONLY for aquarists with suitable facilities (tanks of several thousand liters).
Behavior & Temperament
A large, solitary, voracious predator. Appears docile when well‑fed, but will swallow any fish that fits in its huge mouth. Very hardy.
Feeding
Voracious carnivore - fish, shrimp, krill, fish pieces, large fish pellets. Eats massive quantities. May accept large pellets.
Breeding
Not bred in aquariums. Spawns in rivers in the wild during the rainy season. All are captured in the wild or raised in huge tanks in Asia.
Care Notes
Tank of 3000+ liters REQUIRED. Industrial filtration. NEVER buy on impulse. Juveniles grow VERY quickly (30+ cm in the first year). Huge responsibility. Many are abandoned in rivers.
Compatibility
Predator — swallows ANY fish that fits in its mouth (which is enormous). Only with very large fish. Many end up abandoned for outgrowing their tanks.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Phractocephalus hemioliopterus |
|---|---|
| Family | Pimelodidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Expert |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 130.0 cm (51.2") |
| Min Tank | 3000 L (793 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Voracious carnivore - fish, shrimp, krill, fish pieces, large fish pellets. Eats massive quantities. May accept large pellets. |
| Temperament | A large, solitary, voracious predator. Appears docile when well‑fed, but will swallow any fish that fits in its huge mouth. Very hardy. |
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