What is a Redtail Catfish?
The Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, or the redtail catfish, has the size of a monster, the appeal of an aquarium fish and the temperament of a gentle giant. Though they are territorial, they can make a wonderful pet.
Found in nature
The redtail catfish calls the Amazon and large bodies of water in South America home. Although it is native to this area, it can be found in various bodies of large water throughout the southern hemisphere. This freshwater fish is rarely found in smaller bodies of water due to its size.
Appearance
The monstrous size of the redtail catfish remains the characteristic that they are known for. Adults can grow to almost six feet long. Most juveniles are only a few inches long, but with a healthy diet and environment, they can grow quickly. Within one year, a redtail catfish can grow to two feet long.
Diet
Most of these fish prefer a diet of meat, such as smaller fish. Given their enormous size, they usually have plenty to eat when they are in the wild. If there are no fish around, a redtail catfish might snack on a plant to hold them over until they find a more suitable meal.
In captivity, these fish are fed fish food or smaller fish. Aquarium owners should note that they have been known to eat inedible things they find lying around the aquarium, which can pose a health risk. Usually, redtail catfish will throw up things that they accidentally eat, such as fake plants, but that is not always the case. Aquarium owners are encouraged to keep these things out of the aquarium.
Popular in fishing for sport
The large size of the redtail catfish has made it a very popular choice for those that enjoy fishing for the sport. Fishermen that prefer to spend a weekend trophy fishing often seek out these fish because of their impressive size, and the impressive trophy that they can make. There is nothing nicer for fishermen than hanging one of these above the mantle.
Popular for aquarium owners
Redtail catfish are also very popular for aquarium owners. Many aquarium owners purchase these fish as juveniles despite their potential to grow to a massive size. Then, they get rid of them when they are older or upgrade to an aquarium large enough to accommodate them. Smaller fish grow quickly when they are fed appropriately, but fish owners need to beware that overfeeding them can be fatal. This is one of the most common causes of death for these fish when they are in captivity.
Although redtail catfish are not commonly consumed because of the color of their meat, they remain one of the more popular fish for fishermen and aquarium owners alike due to their size. It has given them the appeal of an exotic fish despite the greyish color of their skin. There is something simply impressive about owning or catching one of these monstrous fish.
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