Golden Red Tail Catfish Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus 20cm

Please check the delivery dates below before placing your order.

Overview

The Golden Red Tail Catfish is a large, freshwater fish known for its striking appearance, featuring a Golden body, white underside, and a vibrant red tail. Native to South America, it is a highly sought-after species in the aquarium trade but requires extensive care due to its massive size and rapid growth. It is best suited for advanced aquarists with large tanks or indoor ponds.

Origin

• Native to: Amazon Basin, Orinoco River, and other large river systems in South America.
• Habitat: Found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and flooded areas with sandy or muddy substrates.

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Fish fillets, shrimp, prawns, earthworms, mussels, and sinking carnivore pellets.
• Feeding Habits: Voracious eaters; should be fed 2–3 times per week to prevent obesity. Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce diseases.

Tank Mates

• Best with: Large, robust fish that can tolerate their presence, such as Arowanas, Peacock Bass, Pacu, and Giant Gouramis.
• Avoid: Small fish and invertebrates, as they will be seen as food.

Aggression & Behavior

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but will eat anything that fits in its mouth.
• Territoriality: Can be aggressive toward similarly sized or smaller bottom-dwelling fish.

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Challenges: Requires an extremely large aquarium, powerful filtration, and careful monitoring of water quality.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–15 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 1,000 gallons for long-term care (juveniles can start in 200 gallons but outgrow it quickly).

Final Notes

Red Tail Catfish are often purchased as juveniles without considering their immense adult size, leading to frequent cases of rehoming. They require a dedicated and experienced aquarist with the ability to provide a massive tank or indoor pond. Proper care ensures they can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Above images for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.

Please Note: The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Swell shop, or available for collection from the shop. Species sold at our Swell store will differ from ones available to order to your door.

All livestock deliveries are subject to our full Delivery Terms & Conditions, please read before ordering.