Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

Scientific name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

The Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows to about 122 cm (48 in). It is difficult to keep and aggressive and needs a tank of at least 455 L (120 US gal), water at 20–26°C (68–79°F) and a pH of 5.8–6.8. Native range: South America, Brazil, Rio Negro, Venezuela, Amazon and Orinoco River basins.

Redtail catfish care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
122 cm (48 in)
Minimum tank
455 L (120 US gal)
Temperature
20–26°C (68–79°F)
pH
5.8–6.8
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Feeds on fish, crabs and fruits. The species is introduced but not established in Florida.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Family
Pimelodidae (Long-whiskered catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
134
Common length
60.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 6.8; dH range: ? - 10 demersal; potamodromous
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More catfish & plecos

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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