Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

Fish in the family Pimelodidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific namePhractocephalus hemioliopterus

FamilyPimelodidae

Also known asRTC, Red-Tail Catfish, Pirarara

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size48 in

Minimum tank size1500 gallons

Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 6-7.5, GH 4-18 dGH

Appearance

Huge catfish with a broad flat grey head, white belly, dark back, and a vivid orange-red tail.

Difficulty and care for the Redtail Catfish

Hard

Origin and habitat

Amazon and Orinoco Basins, South America

Keeper notes

Grows to a massive 4+ feet and swallows any fish that fits in its mouth. NOT a home aquarium fish for most keepers; requires a pond or custom multi-thousand-gallon system. Often sold tiny and outgrows tanks within a year.

Log Redtail Catfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Redtail Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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