Fish Database: Redtail Catfish - Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Aquarium requirements
Aquarium suitability: 3/5
Sociability rating: 7/10
Area of tank: Bottom
Aquarium water conditions: 5.5-8.5, s,m,h
Temperature: 22 - 27C
Feeding: Meaty foods, fish, larger specimens should only be fed every few days
Minimum tank size: 400cm
Min / Max number in tank:
Fish fact file
Family: Pimelodidae
Synonyms: Silurus hemioliopterus, Phractocephalus bicolor, Pirarara bicolor
Other common names: Red Tailed Catfish
Origin: South America; Amazon and Orinoco River basins
Natural habitat: Deep rivers and pools
Size: 100cm
Behavior: Loner, predatory
Breeding:
Natural water conditions: pH 5.5-7, medium
Sexing:
Redtail Catfish
Fish code No.0312
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The Redtail Catfish is a large predator which has no place in the home aquarium trade. This fish will grow up to 100cm in the aquarium, and even bigger in nature. Although older fish are not especially active, they will require an aquarium 400cm (13.5 feet) long as a minimum to allow a humane level of swimming room. No respectable shop should be selling these fish to the general public.
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