Redtail Catfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
An unmanageable behemoth when it grows out of its juvenile size. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
Beautiful when small but a true "tankbuster" when it starts to grow. Maximum reported weight: 44.2 kg (97 lbs). Do not buy this fish unless you have an aquarium large enough to house it for life.
Even public aquariums will seldom accept a Redtail Catfish that outgrows a hobbyist's tank.
Family: Pimelodidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: River bottom.
Maximum length: 134 cm (53 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 3000 L (793 gal)
Water: Freshwater 20 °C (293 K, 68 °F) - 26 °C (299 K, 79 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Eats fish, crustaceans, fruit in the wild.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
A menace to all other aquarium life.
[edit] Special Care
Will require extra-heavy filtration equipment to handle its waste outputy.
[edit] Notes
This species has been illegally released into Florida waters but may not have established breeding populations. Aquarists are urged never to release any fish or plants into local waters.
| Common name | Redtail Catfish + |
| Family | Pimelodidae + |
| Genus | Phractocephalus + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 53 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 793 gal + |
| Native range | South America +, Orinoco River Basin +, and Amazon River Basin + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | hemioliopterus + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 299 K (26 °C, 79 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 293 K (20 °C, 68 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |