Red Tail Catfish



Scientific Name: Phractocephelus hemioliopterus

Common Names: Red Tail Catfish, RTC, Flat Nosed Catfish

Origin: South America Brazil - Amazon and Orinoco River basins

Family: Pimelodidae

Species Type: South American Catfish

Life Span: 15 years or more

Diet: Meaty Foods, pellets

Temperature:70°-80° F

Size: 3-5 feet. They get huge!

Temperament: Predatory

pH: 5.5 to 6.8

Tank Size: Not suitable for the basic home aquarium unless for grow out. 1500-2000 gallons will be needed. If you plan to house two you will need 3000-4000 gallons to properly house this fish.

Possible Tank mates: Anything large enough not to get eaten (pacus, Arowana, tiger shovelnos catfish) Once full grown this species will not tolerate much in it's way, and will prefer to have it's own space.

Coloration: Silver Black spots with a red tail

Tank Maintenance:
A rigorous maintenance schedule should be followed. This species is large and will consume a lot of food making it high waste producing. It is advised to keep water clean as this species will not tolerate foul water. Heavy filtration should be considered.

Comments:
The RTC is a large fish. I advise not to get one unless you have a real huge tank. The RTC will grunt when taken out of the water when they are above 9''. There are some species of fish that, no matter how appealing, should not be kept in aquariums and the Red Tail is one of them. If you are thinking about getting fish of this magnitude You should make sure you first have a monster tank 1500 gallons plus minimum. If you are getting the idea that I am trying to talk people out of purchasing a Red Tailed Catfish, then you are correct. People I know that keep the Red tailed catfish are very experienced fish keepers and they are all well aware of the requirements of a Red Tailed Catfish and have been willing to take on the massive task of providing for these monsters. This is NOT FOR THE BEGINNER FISH KEEPER.

Breeding:
There have been no reported instances of Red Tail Catfish breeding in an aquarium setting. Breeding the Red Tailed catfish in home aquaria is impractical. This is mainly due to their dislike of each other, and the fact that a tank to house two Red Tails would need to be in the vicinity of 3500 to 4000 gallons. If you are not prepared to follow their example, then please rethink your plans to buy a Red Tail and find something more suited to your experience, commitment level and budget.

Adult (show specimen)



Photo Credit: Riverfront Aquariums