Asian Redtail Catfish

{
  "id": "bce0ae9b-2f1e-49e5-9e35-da9fd26110f6",
  "commonName": "Asian Redtail Catfish",
  "scientificName": "Hemibagrus wyckioides",
  "slug": "asian-redtail-catfish",
  "category": "freshwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Pla Kot Daeng",
    "crystal-eyed catfish",
    "Siamese Giant Catfish",
    "Mekong Giant Catfish",
    "Pla Kot",
    "Chao Phraya Catfish",
    "Redtail",
    "RT Cat",
    "Asian Giant Catfish"
  ],
  "description": "The Asian redtail catfish presents a commanding presence in the water, a deep-bodied leviathan clad in slate grey to black, with a stark, milky-white belly. Its most arresting feature, for which it is named, is its vibrant, brick-red or deep orange caudal fin—a brilliant flag of color that becomes a blur of power when the fish is hooked. Mature specimens are formidable in size, commonly reaching 30-40 pounds with true trophies pushing well over 100 pounds. Anglers will immediately note the broad, shovel-shaped head, small eyes, and the four pairs of prominent, sweeping barbels that act as sensory organs in the murky waters it favors. In hand, its sheer mass and smooth, scaleless skin, often slick with a protective mucus, make it a uniquely tactile quarry.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/asian-redtail-catfish/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Asian Redtail Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) watercolor",
    "caption": "The Asian redtail catfish presents a commanding presence in the water, a deep-bodied leviathan clad in slate grey to black, with a stark, milky-white belly.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "7f6b4c57-1259-48d0-9423-24bfb226b05d",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The Asian redtail catfish is a dominant apex predator in its freshwater habitats, patrolling deep, murky waters with a slow, deliberate power. Anglers target this phase for its sheer size and brute strength, making it a prized trophy in Southeast Asian fisheries.",
      "appearance": "Large, deep-bodied catfish with a broad, shovel-shaped head and small eyes. Body color is slate grey to black on the back and sides, transitioning sharply to a milky-white belly. The most distinctive feature is the vibrant brick-red or deep orange caudal fin, which contrasts starkly with the dark body. Four pairs of long, sweeping barbels (whitish to grey) extend from the mouth. Skin is smooth, scaleless, and often coated with a protective mucus. Size ranges from 20 to over 100 pounds, with body proportions becoming more robust in larger specimens.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Large rivers, reservoirs, and deep lakes in Southeast Asia, preferring murky, slow-moving waters with depths of 10-30 meters, often near submerged structures or river channels.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the primary trophy phase for anglers, known for its powerful runs and challenging fights; handle with care due to its size and slippery skin.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:31:02.027Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Asian Redtail Catfish: a large freshwater predator in Southeast Asia. Known for its striking red tail and powerful fights. Target trophy-sized specimens.",
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    "hemibagrus wyckioides",
    "freshwater",
    "pla kot daeng",
    "crystal-eyed catfish",
    "siamese giant catfish",
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    "chao phraya catfish",
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