Redtail Catfish
F-002 | Freshwater Collection
Why I Chose This Fish
I will never forget visiting the Steinhardt Aquarium in San Francisco when I was younger and seeing Redtail Catfish that were as large as six feet long. I was fascinated by them, and that experience eventually inspired me to own one myself for a time. It was incredible to watch that bright white stripe move through the aquarium at night. When I fed it fresh trout from my latest fishing trip, it would stick its whiskers right out of the water to grab its meal. An amazing fish!
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Scientific name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
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Habitat: Freshwater rivers, floodplains, lakes, and other slow-moving waters
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Range: Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America
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Typical size: Commonly 3–4 feet, with exceptional individuals reaching around 5 feet or more
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Diet: Fish, crustaceans, insects, and other aquatic animals
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Known for: Its striking red-orange tail, broad head, long barbels, and impressive size
