One of the most eye-catching and well-liked fish in aquariums is the red-tailed catfish. This fish is a real show-stopper with its vivid red tail and sleek, strong body. This species is notable for its size and distinct behavior in addition to its attractive appearance.
The red-tailed catfish, which is indigenous to South American rivers, is well-known for its remarkable growth. One of the largest species of freshwater catfish, these fish can grow up to five feet in length in the wild. They need a large tank and constant care because they can grow to be fairly large even in captivity.
Red-tailed catfish keeping requires dedication and is not just for show. These fish require an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat because they have a long lifespan. For anyone thinking about bringing this amazing fish into their aquarium, it is imperative to comprehend their requirements and create the ideal environment.
| Characteristics | Details |
| Common Name | Red-tailed Catfish |
| Scientific Name | Phractocephalus hemioliopterus |
| Size | Can grow up to 4-6 feet |
| Diet | Omnivorous, prefers fish, crustaceans, and plant matter |
| Habitat | Large freshwater tanks, mimicking rivers |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive towards smaller fish |
| Water Temperature | 20-26°C |
Keeping the red-tailed catfish fractocephalus in an aquarium
Image of a red-tailed catfish
“An elephant in a china shop” is another common expression. This is exactly what perfectly characterizes the red-tailed catfish in captivity, or more precisely, in an aquarium. If you have a large yard with a heated pond for ten tons of water, then, in principle, you have already overcome the main difficulties in keeping this fish. But if you decide to get and keep a river monster in an aquarium, you will have to seriously worry about creating suitable conditions for the flathead. It"s all about the size of the fish and the speed of its growth. A fifteen-centimeter young specimen will fit quite comfortably in an aquarium of 600-800 liters, however, in just 7-11 months the young flathead will turn into a half-meter catfish, which will continue to grow, although not as quickly. The red-tailed catfish in captivity, although it grows more modestly (approximately about a meter), grows regardless of the volume of the aquarium and quickly outgrows even a ton, and you will have to regretfully get rid of your beloved pet, otherwise it will simply die. Contrary to the frequent beliefs of pet store sellers, there is no decorative type of this fish.
It is best to keep these fish in large demonstration or public aquariums, with a volume of 4-6 tons – the optimal volume of water for an adult. The young are active almost around the clock in a constant search for food, older individuals become less and less mobile, and prefer to spend daylight hours in shelters at the bottom of the reservoir. Large snags, piles of large stones, artificial grottoes are perfect as shelters. However, remember the first phrase with which this section begins – all decorations must be very securely fastened, since everything that does not weigh five times more than the red-tailed catfish, is not nailed down or tied tightly, can be chaotically and very carelessly moved. To the point that in an attempt to create a new cozy nest for itself, the river monster is capable of dropping a large and heavy stone or a large snag, breaking the glass of the aquarium.
Image of a red-tailed catfish
Pirarara is very clumsy, be extremely careful when creating the design of your aquarium. Plants planted in the ground will not live long – they will be mercilessly dug up in search of goodies under the roots, so if you decide to "green" the pond in which the flathead will live, then take care of reliable protection of the root system of plants – firmly fixed to the bottom and camouflaged in the ground pots, for example. By the way, the soil should preferably be sandy, of small or medium fraction, since the red-tailed catfish constantly digs it up for a purpose known only to it and periodically passes a portion of sand through its gills, therefore even small pebbles will not work – the fish can seriously injure its respiratory organs and die. The light in the aquarium with the flathead should not be bright – catfish do not really like it. The best option is soft, diffused light from warm-glow lamps with a predominant red and yellow spectrum – the closest to the natural tones of the sunset and evening twilight in the Amazon valleys. As already mentioned a little above, the red-tailed catfish is a territorial fish, therefore it is advisable not to keep more than one individual of this species in an aquarium with a volume of up to three tons, since a harsh division of possessions will begin, often with victims.
Image of a red-tailed catfish
Red-tailed catfish compatibility. Neighbors for the pirarara can be proportionate, capable of standing up for themselves or quickly hiding from the encroachments of the river monster fish: arowana, black pacu, astronotus or other large cichlids, high-fin pangasius, eye knifefish and other types of fish that simply won"t fit into the red-tailed catfish"s mouth, that is, they will be approximately the same size or larger. Now imagine the size of the aquarium that will allow you to keep at least some of the listed fish at the same time! If you want to have this exotic variety in the conditions of an average apartment, then this apartment will have to be well sealed and filled with water to about the level of the windowsills.
Water quality is of great importance for keeping red-tailed catfish, so you will have to take care of good aeration, a powerful external filtration system and, preferably, a flow-through water change system in an artificial reservoir, since the red-tailed catfish produces a huge amount of organic waste, not tolerating polluted water. Comfortable water parameters for a pyrarara: Ph 5.5 – 7.5; Gh up to 13 degrees; temperature 22-28 degrees Celsius. It will also not be superfluous to have a moderate current in the bottom layer of water. If it is not possible to organize a flow-through system, then you will have to worry about mandatory weekly water changes from 20% to 40% of the total volume. The flathead is as sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters as most fish, therefore, in order to avoid stress, it is best to change the water in stages, dividing the volume of adding fresh water into two or three approaches with breaks to allow the parameters to level out.
As for any other fish, a high concentration of poisons is unacceptable for catfish: ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. In this matter, high-quality timely water changes help well, as well as such drugs as, say, Tetra EasyBalance, which converts phosphates into an insoluble sediment and smoothly reduces nitrogen. In general, every conscientious aquarist should always have a set of drop tests on hand, at least for nitrate and phosphate. Fortunately, they have become inexpensive now, there are no problems with their assortment and acquisition. In the stores of your city – offline, you can find inexpensive Vladox tests. Watch out, friends, for nitrogen compounds, keep them in check and everything will be fine for you and your pets.
The reputable FF online retailer Aqua Logo Shop is where you can buy the medications, gear, and other helpful items for an aquarist that were mentioned above. We advise against it!
Image of a red-tailed catfish
Any equipment that will be placed inside an aquarium with a red-tailed catfish is included in the group of unjustified risk – it can be damaged or destroyed for a number of reasons, some of which are known only to the fractocephalus. For example, an internal filter prevented the snail from being eaten or a thermometer prevented the turn to attack the prey. Therefore, it is best to place the equipment outside or securely fasten it. In its natural habitat, the red-tailed catfish is capable (although not often) of making jumps out of the water, hunting for small mammals that have come to the watering hole, so a reliable and heavy one will not hurt cover glass on the aquarium, which will prevent your pet from ending up on the dry floor and dying.
The owners of Fractocephalus have reported in their reviews that their fish can remember its caregiver and even grow accustomed to him and his hands. The red-tailed catfish gradually starts to consume (warning: this is dangerous!) and permits himself to be stroked, but quickly detects the stranger and ducks farther inside the cover.
Large in size and eye-catching, the red-tailed catfish is a common freshwater fish recognized for its vivid red tail. It’s an interesting species to keep in an aquarium, but because it can grow to be more than three feet long, it needs to be handled carefully. This fish is best suited for seasoned aquarists who can accommodate its particular requirements because it requires a large tank, a varied diet, and appropriate care to flourish.
Feeding of red -tailed catfish
Picture of a red-tailed catfish
The red -tailed catfish, although it is considered a predator, but this is a catfish, it is omnivorous. Food for fractocephalus can serve as a lively or frozen fish of white breeds, beef heart, minced meat from mollusks, shrimp and other crustaceans, as well as pieces of fruit, scalded spinach, cereal cereals. The diet needs to be constantly diversified, otherwise the plateleous will quickly get used to one type of feed and begin to abandon any other, which can lead to metabolic disorders, the dysfunction of the digestive system, and even to the death of the pet. The river monster should be fed abundantly, but in portions, following a strict schedule, because if it is hungry, then other inhabitants of the reservoir are in mortal danger, and this fish is never completely full. Avoid overfeeding, because the Pirarara will eat everything you give it. In any quantity! The red-tailed catfish is extremely voracious, insatiable, prone to obesity, and overfeeding can lead to the death of the pet. For young animals, frozen food (large bloodworms, tubifex), minced fish, chopped veal heart, granulated combined food, small pieces of fruit can be used as food. Until the flathead reaches a length of 50 centimeters, it should be fed two or three times a day, strictly limiting portions. Adults are fed once a day, preferably in the evening, before turning off the lights. Live food in the form of small trash or forage fish will be a pleasant addition for the red-tailed catfish, but you should be extremely careful in choosing such a delicacy if it is not your own breeding, since there is a high risk that your favorite river monster can become infected with something from the "treat" and its lifespan will be significantly reduced.
Feeding the red-tailed catfish in large public aquariums is a show unto itself. If the fish accepts food from the hand and is not afraid of the feeder, the audience is delighted and erupts in applause. Nonetheless, since the fractocephalus is a shy fish and is unlikely to enjoy attention, you should not abuse its trust.
Additionally, Tetra Tablets TabiMin XL and other branded sinking food for catfish are easy to feed them.
It is important to remember that when purchasing any dry food, you should first check the manufacturing and expiration dates, avoid purchasing food in bulk, and store it in a closed container to prevent the growth of harmful flora.
Renowned for its remarkable appearance and substantial size, the red-tailed catfish is an intriguing and remarkable species. Even though it can add something special to an aquarium, it’s crucial to keep in mind that this fish needs a lot of room and regular maintenance. For its health and well-being, it is essential to provide a suitable habitat with lots of space for swimming and a diet that satisfies its nutritional requirements.
Before choosing to add a Red-tailed catfish to your aquarium, think about the maintenance requirements and the financial outlay required for such a large, active fish. The Red-tailed catfish, with its vivid colors and lively personality, can be a rewarding pet for those who can meet these requirements and provide years of enjoyment.
In the end, owning a Red-tailed catfish entails more than just expanding your fish collection—it involves taking on the responsibility of taking care of a fish that has the potential to reach enormous proportions. You can cultivate a healthy habitat for your Red-tailed catfish with the correct planning and commitment.
