Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Amazonian Redtail Catfish, or simply Redtail Cat for short, is found widely throughout the Amazon and Rio Orinoco basins that expand across many countries in South America. Often sold as mere “kittens” at approximately 4″ or less, this catfish species is truly a river monster that is best left admired in the wild, public aquaria or to the few extremely dedicated aquarists that have the facilities to house an adult Redtail cat. On average, an adult Redtail cat in captivity can grow to 3 or 4 feet in length, weighing between 80 and 100 pounds. In the wild, these catfish have been observed at a minimum of 5 feet in length, and can weigh approximately 180+ pounds. Juvenile Redtail catfish grow up quicker than you think, especially when their diets are being supplemented correctly, making this fish a serious commitment in all aspects of aquatic husbandry (please see ‘Diet and Care Requirements’ below). For its enormous adult size however, the Redtail cat is a relatively non-aggressive fish so long as it is not kept with tank mates that can become a meal. We do not recommend keeping any other type of catfish with a Redtail cat because this will likely result in a territorial dispute. Diagnosable differences between male and female Redtail cats are unknown. Note: Populations of Redtail cats have been found within rivers and ponds of the United States likely as a result from irresponsible hobbyists releasing specimens that got too large to care for. While these catfish will not survive in colder regions such as Wisconsin, those in warmer regions could and this is unhealthy for the biodiversity of our native ecosystems. We urge hobbyists to not do this, and to please reach out to our store, Aquatics Unlimited, to either surrender your catfish to us or for resources to help you with your catfish.

Diet Requirements: Redtail cats are opportunistic in nature consuming fish, crustaceans, insects, and fallen fruits. One of the unfussiest eaters, it typically desires more of a protein-rich diet in captivity. Such options include frozen brine shrimp, mussels, krill, silverside fish, and prawns. Foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Appropriate frozen food options will vary depending on the size of your specimen. Adult Redtail cats can also be fed pieces, or whole, white fish fillets from the grocery store. Redtail cats may accept large sinking pellet foods, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Live earthworms are a favorite treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. This is extremely important for a Redtail cat because an individual with no variety will become picky and refuse options of other food in the future. We discourage feeding live fish to Redtail cats because they are often of little nutritional value and increase the risk of introducing disease. Redtail cats are notorious for becoming greedy and will often learn to “beg” for food, but feeding only once a day should be exercised for juveniles. Adult specimens may only need to be fed once a week. Obesity is a big problem in large catfish species, which will only be a detriment to their health in the long run. Do not feed any form of mammalian/poultry meat (e.g., beef or chicken) as certain lipids in these cannot be metabolized by the Redtail catfish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 90 gallon aquarium is needed at the very least for a small Redtail catfish. A more subadult specimen will require a 250+ gallon aquarium. The realistic long term accommodations for a juvenile Redtail cat to mature into an adult Redtail cat of 3 or 4 feet in length requires a phenomenal volume of water of at least a couple thousand gallons – which still barely allows for natural movement as it would freely in the wild. This catfish cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are necessary to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as Redtail cats do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with several canister filters, or a sump system, is also needed to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces. A Redtail cat will be relatively indifferent to decor, especially as an adult, but some stacked rocks to create caves for younger specimens to hide, or driftwood, may add some pizzazz to the aquarium. A lot of unobstructed and open swimming space should be of priority, and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. A sandy or fine substrate is needed, because gravels can be ingested by more mature specimens and get caught in their delicate gill tissue. Redtail cats are compatible with a wide variety of fish; tank mates should not be aggressive as to nip at the Redtail cat’s delicate and sensitive whiskers, or too small to be consumed. Redtail catfish are solitary, so no more than one should be considered per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 2-12, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 2-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.