Redtail Catfish

Redtail Catfish should be kept with similarly large, robust species. Avoid small fish that can be seen as prey. Provide partitions or separate tanks for juvenile and adult stages. Use visual barriers to reduce aggression in mixed setups. Observe behavior during feeding and adjust stocking density. Maintain high water quality to reduce stress. Do not overcrowd to prevent territorial disputes. Feed all species adequately to avoid competition. Separate aggressive individuals if fights occur. Provide ample swimming and hiding spaces to ensure comfort.

Redtail Catfish are huge, powerful freshwater fish that quickly outgrow most home aquariums. They require extremely large tanks or pond-style systems with deep water areas that allow natural, unrestricted movement. The tank must be sized with their full adult length and bulk in mind from the start.

Keep water conditions warm and stable, with temperatures between 22–28 °C and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Water hardness should be moderate, and this species is strictly freshwater, requiring SG 1.000–1.003 at all times.

Use heavy-duty filtration and perform regular water changes to manage their high waste output. Add soft substrate, along with large pieces of driftwood or smooth rocks, to provide shelter while protecting their sensitive barbels.

Choose tank mates carefully—avoid aggressive or overly active species that could cause stress or injury. Observe behavior regularly for signs of illness, stress, or feeding issues, and maintain consistent care to support long-term health.

Redtail Catfish are carnivorous and require protein-rich diets. Feed live or frozen fish, shrimp, or invertebrates. Pellets designed for carnivorous large catfish can supplement diet. Offer feeding once daily, increasing with size and age. Observe feeding to ensure all individuals are consuming enough. Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality deterioration. Include variety to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Remove uneaten food promptly to avoid pollution. Juveniles may need smaller portions multiple times per day. Monitor health and growth to adjust diet accordingly.

Breeding Redtail Catfish in captivity is extremely rare. Requires very large tanks mimicking riverine conditions. Spawning occurs in shallow areas with plenty of hiding spaces. Males defend territories and become brightly colored. Eggs are fertilized externally and left unguarded. Artificial breeding may involve egg collection and incubation. Juveniles require small live foods and protected environment. Monitor water parameters closely to prevent fungal infections. Separate fry from adults to prevent predation. Gradually acclimate juveniles to standard aquarium conditions.