Ultimate Guide to Redtail Catfish Care: The Monster Fish You Need in Your Aquarium
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🐟 What Is a Redtail Catfish?
The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is one of the most sought-after monster fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to South America’s Amazon and Orinoco basins, this catfish is famous for its massive size, bold colors, and powerful personality.
At Rob's Aquatics, we specialize in healthy, tank-raised Redtail Catfish ready for serious hobbyists who can handle their unique care needs.
📏 How Big Do Redtail Catfish Get?
Redtail Catfish can grow up to 3 to 4 feet in captivity, though wild specimens may reach over 5 feet. This fish is not for beginners or small tanks. You’ll need:
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Minimum tank size: 1,000 gallons (for adult)
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Juvenile setup: 180–300 gallons with plans to upgrade
For those new to monster fishkeeping, check out our guide: Best Monster Fish for Large Tanks
🍽️ Redtail Catfish Diet
These fish are opportunistic carnivores. In the wild, they eat fish, crustaceans, and detritus. In captivity, we recommend:
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Pellets (like Hikari Massivore or Northfin Carnivore)
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Frozen foods: shrimp, tilapia, silversides
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Occasional treats: nightcrawlers, mussels, live fish (only with caution)
Pro Tip: Never overfeed—Redtails are prone to bloating. Stick to 2–3 feedings per week for adults.
🌡️ Ideal Water Parameters for Redtail Catfish
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 74°F – 80°F |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | < 40 ppm |
Regular water changes and powerful filtration are critical. These fish produce a lot of waste!
🤝 Tankmates for Redtail Catfish
Redtail Catfish are predators and will eat anything they can fit in their mouths. Safe tankmates must be:
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Too large to eat
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Non-aggressive
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Equally hardy
Compatible monster fish options:
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Pacu
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Silver Arowana
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Datnoids
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Peacock Bass (Cichla)
Check out our selection of compatible species: Shop Monster Fish
⏳ Redtail Catfish Lifespan and Growth Rate
With proper care, Redtails can live 15–20 years. Their growth rate is fast, especially during their first 12–18 months. You can expect:
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6 inches → 18 inches in under a year
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Full size → within 3–4 years
💡 Redtail Catfish Tips & Common Mistakes
✅ Do:
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Prepare for massive adult size
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Invest in strong filtration and large tanks
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Offer variety in diet
❌ Don’t:
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Keep with small fish
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Skip water changes
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House in tanks under 200 gallons for long
🛒 Where to Buy Redtail Catfish Online
At RobsAquatics.com, we stock healthy, well-acclimated Redtail Catfish sourced from reputable breeders. Each fish is quarantined before shipping and available with overnight delivery.
🔁 Final Thoughts: Is the Redtail Catfish Right for You?
The Redtail Catfish is a stunning, powerful fish that demands respect, space, and commitment. If you’re ready to build a true monster tank, this species is a top-tier showpiece. Make sure you're equipped—and we’ll take care of the rest.