Redtail Catfish

Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

The Redtail Catfish is one of the most iconic monster fish in the hobby. With its bold black-and-white body, vivid red tail, and impressive size potential, this South American giant is a showstopper in any large predator tank. A true centrepiece fish for serious aquarists.

Available sizes: 5–6cm, 7–8cm, 13–15cm

Care Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 2,000L for adults — these fish grow to over 1 metre in the wild
• Water temperature: 22–26°C (tropical)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Filtration: Heavy-duty biological filtration essential — large messy eaters
• Diet: Carnivore — large pellets, prawns, fish, and meaty foods
• Compatibility: Keep with similarly sized robust fish only — will eat anything that fits in its mouth
• Difficulty: Advanced — requires a very large, well-filtered setup

Please note: Live animal — collection or courier delivery available. We ensure safe packaging for all live shipments. This species grows very large — please research long-term care requirements before purchasing.