redtail catfish
ExploreFish
redtail catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
The redtail catfish is a big fish with a bright red tail! It swims in rivers and loves to eat other fish and yummy plants. These fish can grow very large and are fun to watch in the water.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers
Appearance
The redtail catfish has a striking dark body, often brownish-black to grey, with a bright white belly. Its most distinctive feature is a vibrant red or orange tail fin. It also possesses a broad, flat head with long, sensitive barbels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderSiluriformesFamilyPimelodidaeGenusPhractocephalus
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A redtail catfish is a top predator in its Amazonian river home, fearing few others!
Their unique orange and red tails are different on every fish, like a fingerprint!
These big fish can make loud grunting sounds, especially when they feel stressed!
Young redtail catfish can grow incredibly fast, gaining size almost every day!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sniffers
Redtail catfish can use their long barbels to smell and taste food in murky waters, helping them find prey in the dark.
Ability
Ambush Master
Redtail catfish can stay perfectly still to surprise prey, because of their camouflaged back, helping them launch quick attacks.
Ability
Big Gulp Mouth
Redtail catfish has a massive mouth that helps them swallow surprisingly large fish and other creatures whole.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-135 cm
- Weight
- 10-45 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Swim Speed
- 10 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 20 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
This hungry fish eats other fish, crustaceans, and anything else it can fit in its giant mouth!
Primary Foods
- smaller fish
- crabs
- shrimp
- insects
- fruits
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Red-bellied Piranha
Pygocentrus nattereri
eats piranhas and other fish.
hunts
Tamboqui
Hoplosternum littorale
preys on various smaller catfish species.
eaten by
Spectacled Caiman
Caiman crocodilus
young redtail catfish can be prey for caimans.
Traits
Whiskered
Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch fish from a safe distance and never try to touch them in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is redtail catfish?
60-135 cm
How much does redtail catfish weigh?
10-45 kg
How long does redtail catfish live?
15-20 years
What does redtail catfish eat?
This hungry fish eats other fish, crustaceans, and anything else it can fit in its giant mouth!
How fast can redtail catfish swim?
10 km/h
Where is redtail catfish usually found?
Freshwater rivers
How does redtail catfish hunt?
Ambush
How deep can redtail catfish go?
20 m
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