1" Redtail Catfish

🐟 Redtail Catfish (1”) – South America’s Apex Predator, From Day One

Start your monster tank journey with a true freshwater legend — the Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus). At just 1 inch, this juvenile is already showing signs of its iconic look: a jet-black body, white belly, and a brilliant red tail that gives the species its name. Don’t let its small size fool you — this baby predator is destined to become a river giant, capable of growing over 3 feet long with proper care.

Native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins, Redtail Catfish are revered for their intelligence, fast growth, and their commanding presence in any large aquarium or indoor pond setup. If you're looking for a true centerpiece fish, this is it.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

• Common Name: Redtail Catfish

• Size: 1 inch (can reach 36+ inches as adults)

• Temperament: Bold, semi-aggressive, predatory

• Tank Size: 500–1,000+ gallons long-term

• Water Parameters: 74–82°F | pH 6.5–7.5 | High oxygen & strong filtration required

• Diet: Carnivore – enjoys shrimp, fish filets, earthworms, and sinking carnivore pellets

⚠️ Monster Fish Care Notes:

The 1” size is ideal for aquarists looking to:

• Raise a Redtail from juvenile to full-grown

• Train it onto prepared foods early

• Monitor and shape behavior in a safe grow-out environment

As they grow rapidly, you’ll need to upgrade tanks accordingly or plan for an indoor pond. Redtails are best kept solo or with other large and durable fish, such as:

• Peacock Bass, Arowanas, Datnoids

• Large Bichirs, Ripsaw Catfish, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

Avoid housing with any fish that could fit in their mouth — they’ll eat anything they can swallow.

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each 1” Redtail Catfish is:

• Tank-raised and hand-selected for health and color

• Feeding well on appropriate grow-out diets

• Shipped live with our trusted Live Arrival Guarantee

• Ready to become the centerpiece of your monster aquarium

📦 Limited availability – this is your chance to grow a Redtail Catfish from the very beginning. Order yours now—only at RobsAquatics.com.