Phractocephalus
hemioliopterus
(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
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he common name of the "Red Tailed Catfish" is
probably better known than its scientifiic name as this is one
of the few freshwater tropical fish that has its common name known
wordwide along with the humble community fish of the Poecilidae
family, the "Guppy", "Molly", and "Platy".
This is where the similarity ends as this is an out and out
predator that grows over three feet and is definitely not recommended
to your average aquarist and can only be recommended to the
more experienced hobbyist who would be willing to dedicate,
him or herself, to rearing this Amazon cat through the many
tank changes from the juvenile stage to the the 3ft plus that
it will attain throughout its long lifetime.
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus occurs in the main river
systems of South America in the Amazon region including the
Rio Negro and other large river pools.
This striking looking cat is definitely a loner in a home aquarium
setup and would quickly kill any tank mates including any larger
fish that was housed with it. You may think that so far this
factsheet is very negative but I am just pointing out the pitfalls
if you were not familiar with this wonderful looking South American
beauty. You would be better to visit the establishments that
can keep this Pim on view and if you live in the U.K. I would
recommend visiting North Lakes Aquatics in Penrith to see one
fine looking specimen (pic below). There is also a specimen
on view in the Blue
Planet Public Aquarium in Chester.
They will grow quite rapidly and you would need to be prepared
to upgrade to larger tanks as they grow.
The problem with this of course is the moving and the stress involved
in transporting a large fish to another tank and of course you
would need to make sure that the water parameters are the same
and the nitrogen cycle completed before the move. You would need
to use at least 50% of water from the old tank to the new and
seed the external power filter with material from the older one,
if you are upgrading the filtration system.
The larger the "Red Tailed Cat" gets the less clutter
you need in the aquarium with probably a few large branches for
decor and gravel if so desired, but you will probably find that
they will move the gravel from one end of the tank to the other
anyway. The problem you have in the latter stages of development
is the size of your tank as you would need at least an 8ft tank
with a width of about 36ins so that it can turn comfortly. The
height is not so much a concern, with 18-24inch being ample.
If this hasn't put you off you must be keen!. On the plus side
(is there a plus side I hear you ask!) they make good pets and
will eat out of your hand and can quickly become a member of the
family where most other fish can't even reach this exalted status.
Dorsal fin 1:7; 3 pairs of barbels, the maxillary barbels do not
extend much beyond the dorsal fin. Broad emarginate caudal fin.
The pectoral fin spine is as thick as the dorsal ray spine.
Orange to red caudal fin. Orange/yellow tips to the dorsal and
ventral fins. Underside white with a broad white band starting
from behind the gills to the caudal peduncle. Body colour brown
with black spotting to head area.
Here is a guide to keeping Phractocephalus hemioliopterus,
the "Red Tailed Catfish", if bought as a one to
two inch juvenile, can be housed in a smaller aquarium such as
a 24" x 12" x 12" to start of with, and again you
will only be able to keep one to a tank, as when even young they
can be aggressive. Provide shelter in the tank to give them a
bit of confidence and watch the water quality as they can be susceptible
to ammonia and nitrite levels which will quickly erode their barbels,
and also fit a cover to your heater to stop them resting against
it and burning themselves. The choice of substrate is not important
and you can dispense with this if you wish. External filters are
best for this system and the bigger the better. Don't have too
much bright lighting as they do prefer a more subdued light and
alongside caves or branches they will feel more comfortable.
No instances have been recorded as yet owing to their adult size
and the swmming area that would be needed. If there was to be
a breeding project a Public Aqaurium would be the place intended
or ponds in warmer climates.
Can be fed on small feeder goldfish but it would be better to
guide them of live food and feed them frozen bloodworm and earthworms
when young. Adults and juveniles do like earthworms and other
meaty foods such as prawns and crabs. Tablet and large pellet
food is also greedily taken. Feed twice daily to young Redtails
and then down to one feeding a day, 6 days a week, when they reach
the juvenile stage. Adult Redtails can be fed a large meal once
or twice a week only and the rest of the days to digest their
meal.
| Etymology |
Phractocephalus:
Protected head.
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| Glossary
of Terms: |
Maxillary barbels
: Pertaining to the upper jaw. (maxillary barbels)
Ammonia :
A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3.
Nitrite : Nitrite (NO2-) is formed when
Nitrosomonas sp. bacteria oxidise ammonia produced by fish
and decomposing organic matter.
Nitrogen cycle : The biological process
that converts ammonia into other, relatively harmless nitrogen
compounds.
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| Reference |
Sands, David: Catfishes of the World
Vol.3 Auchenipteridae & Pimelodidae
Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl, 1985. Aquarien atlas. Bd.
2.. Melle: Mergus, Verlag für Natur- und Heimtierkunde,
Germany.
Burgess, W.E., 1989. An atlas of freshwater and
marine catfishes: a preliminary survey of the Siluriformes..
T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey.
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| Photo
Credits |
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| Synonyms:
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| Silurus hemiliopterus, Phractocephalus
bicolor |
| Common
Name: |
| Redtail Catfish |
| Family: |
| Pimelodidae |
| Subfamily: |
| Pimelodidinae |
| Distribution: |
| South America: Amazon and Orinoco
River basins |
| Size: |
| 100cm. (36ins) |
| Temp: |
| 20-26°C
(67-79°F) |
| pH.: |
| 6.0-7.0. |
| Hardness: |
| up to 10° dGH |
| Donation: |
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