Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Redtail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Also called Red-tail catfish, Pirarara (Brazil), Cajaro / Bagre cajaro (Venezuela), Banana catfish (Guyana)
From South America: the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo basins, across Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana and Suriname.12
At a glance the quick version
Unsexed maximum; FishBase lists 44.2 kg while Wikipedia gives about 80 kg.
Looks how to spot one
Massive, broad-headed catfish with three pairs of barbels
A big, heavy catfish with a wide flat head and long whiskers. The back is dark, a pale band runs from the mouth along the flanks, and the tail and dorsal fin glow orange-red.21
Personality what they are like
Relaxed toward fish of similar size but a big-mouthed predator of anything small, and territorial toward other large catfish.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Swims more actively than many bottom catfish and feeds mainly at night.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A fish for public aquariums or keepers with huge systems: Seriously Fish suggests roughly 360 x 240 x 120 cm (over 10,000 litres) as a minimum for an adult. Adults need feeding only about once a week, juveniles every other day.32
Home where they are happiest
Very large aquarium with strong filtration. Water about 20-26 C, pH roughly 5.5-7.5, hardness up to about 12 dH.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An opportunistic omnivore. In the wild it eats fish, crabs and fallen fruit; in captivity prawns, mussels, white fish and earthworms suit it.132
Company who they like around
Fine alone or with other big, robust fish such as large doradids, pacu and characins; keep only one per tank unless the space is vast.32
The story where it all began
Described by Bloch and Schneider in 1801, the redtail catfish has a fossil lineage stretching back about 13.5 million years. It is a popular centrepiece in Amazon-themed displays at public aquariums and a prized sport fish in South America.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its Brazilian name pirarara comes from Tupi words for fish and macaw, a nod to its colours.2
- 2
It can make clicking sounds to communicate.2
- 3
The genus name combines Greek words for fence and head.1
- 4
Some South American peoples traditionally do not eat it because its meat is dark.2
- 5
The IGFA world record fish weighed 56 kg.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed December 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Bloch & Schneider in 18011
- Family
- Pimelodidae (long-whiskered catfishes)1
- IGFA
- All-tackle world record of 56 kg (123 lb 7 oz), caught in Brazil in 20102
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Redtail Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Redtail Catfish?
Juveniles should be fed every other day, while adults only need a meal about once a week. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but you should adjust based on your fish's age and appetite. Always check the food label and ask your vet for guidance.32 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Redtail Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?
This catfish enjoys prawns, mussels, white fish, and earthworms. Never feed it small fish or anything that could be swallowed whole, as it is a big-mouthed predator. Avoid overfeeding and stick to a varied, balanced diet.132
How much space does a Redtail Catfish need?
An adult Redtail Catfish requires a truly massive tank, with a minimum of about 360 x 240 x 120 cm (over 10,000 litres). This is a fish for public aquariums or dedicated keepers with huge systems.32
What temperature, light or water does a Redtail Catfish need?
Keep the water temperature between 20 and 26°C, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and hardness up to 12 dH. Strong filtration is essential. Lighting needs are not specified, but standard aquarium lighting works well.13
How often should I clean a Redtail Catfish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly water change of 30 to 50%, along with weekly water tests. Rinse the filter every two weeks. Adjust the schedule based on your tank's size and how many fish you have. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Redtail Catfish live with others?
Yes, it can share a tank with other large, robust fish like big doradids, pacu, and characins. Avoid small fish and other large catfish, and keep only one Redtail Catfish unless the space is truly vast.32
How long does a Redtail Catfish live?
Lifespan varies a lot depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask a vet or an experienced breeder who knows this species well.
Can I handle a Redtail Catfish?
Handling is not recommended because these fish are large, sensitive, and easily stressed. It's best to admire them in the water and consult a vet if you need to move them.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Iridescent SharkWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, weight, water parameters, diet, IUCN, etymology
- Wikipedia: Redtail catfish en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, size, behaviour, record, history, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, feeding frequency, compatibility
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.