Fish
Redtail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Flashing a bright reddish-orange tail against a dark body, a redtail catfish patrols Amazon basin rivers as an opportunistic predator, a fish often bought small for home aquariums only to eventually outgrow them entirely.
Overview
The redtail catfish, Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, is a Least Concern fish found across rivers and wetlands throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Its distinctive reddish-orange tail, substantial adult size exceeding a metre, and opportunistic predatory diet make it one of the more recognizable large catfish species in South America.
A popular pet that outgrows its home
The redtail catfish’s attractive colouring and modest size as a juvenile have made it a popular choice in the aquarium trade, but its eventual growth to over a metre long frequently surprises owners unprepared for how large the fish will ultimately become.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable river and wetland habitat throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
Redtail Catfish: common questions
Why is it called the redtail catfish?
It shows a bright reddish-orange tail fin against an otherwise dark grey-brown body, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Why does the redtail catfish cause problems for aquarium owners?
It is frequently sold as a small, manageable-looking juvenile, but grows over a metre long as an adult, quickly outgrowing all but the largest home aquariums.
What does the redtail catfish eat?
It is a carnivore and opportunistic predator, eating fish, crustaceans, and a wide range of other prey it can overpower.
Where is the redtail catfish found?
It ranges across rivers and wetlands of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America.