Red-Tailed Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) Care Guide
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus is a giant South American catfish of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, reaching up to 135 cm and suited only to public-aquarium-scale systems.
Overview
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus is a large catfish of the family Pimelodidae, native to tropical South America. It is recognised by a brownish back, yellow flanks, a white underside running from the mouth to the tail, and orange-red dorsal and caudal fins. FishBase records a maximum total length of 135 cm and a maximum weight of about 44 kg.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pimelodidae
- Genus: Phractocephalus
- Scientific name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
- Authority: Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Habitat
The species occurs in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, across countries including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. It is a freshwater, bottom-oriented fish that inhabits larger rivers, streams and lakes, and shows potamodromous movements within these systems.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L (528 gal)
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Substrate: soft sand to protect barbels
Diet
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus is a predatory carnivore with a high trophic level (about 4.2 per FishBase). In the wild adults feed on fish and crabs and also take fallen fruits and seeds. In captivity it accepts large meaty foods; uneaten or oversized items should be avoided to limit waste from this high-bioload species.
Compatibility
This is a territorial, bottom-dwelling predator that feeds mainly during evening and night hours. Any tankmate small enough to be swallowed will be eaten, so it can only be housed with similarly large, robust species in very large systems. It is unsuitable for typical home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020). The species supports minor commercial and game fisheries and enters the aquarium trade, but the FishBase profile notes low resilience with a long population doubling time.