Tank setup
A minimum 3000L aquarium suits Redtail Catfish. Use robust décor and sight breaks; territorial species need defined territories.
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
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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
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Everything you need to keep Redtail Catfish healthy in a South African setup.
A minimum 3000L aquarium suits Redtail Catfish. Use robust décor and sight breaks; territorial species need defined territories.
Keep pH 5.5–7.2 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Redtail Catfish is carnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for monster fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Redtail Catfish is generally aggressive. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized aggressive tankmates in monster fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Redtail Catfish vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
SA price range this month: R200–20000 · Average: R5350
This data is unique to FishHub
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Species that typically work alongside Redtail Catfish in a similar setup.
