Redtail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
What you need to keep a Redtail Catfish
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pH
5.5–7.2
Temperature
22–28 °C
Max size
130 cm
Min tank
3000 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Redtail Catfish.
What Redtail Catfish costs in South Africa
6 price points from 3 shops over 90 days
R150
cheapest of 2 shops today
SA median R188 across 3 shops over the last 90 days.
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Redtail Catfish is one of the most iconic and recognisable monster fish in the hobby, distinguished by its bold tricolour pattern — dark grey upper body, white belly band, and vibrant orange-red tail fin. Native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins, it grows to truly massive proportions and is an indiscriminate feeder that will consume anything it can fit in its enormous mouth. Only suitable for keepers with indoor ponds or custom-built tank systems.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Redtail Catfish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 3000L aquarium suits Redtail Catfish. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 5.5–7.2 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Redtail Catfish last so territories reset.
Breeding
Redtail Catfish is rarely bred in captivity; most SA hobbyists buy from shops and breeders.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R150–350 · Average: R181
This data is unique to FishHub
Demand by province
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