Redtail Catfish
Scientific Name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus | Category: freshwater
The Redtail Catfish is a spectacular freshwater behemoth, built like a torpedo with a broad, flattened head and a powerful, sweeping tail. Its most arresting feature is the brilliant, almost electric crimson or deep orange-red of the caudal fin and the upper lobe of the tail, which starkly contrasts with its charcoal-grey to nearly black dorsal coloring. The flanks are typically a mottled olive-grey or silver, and a thick, white stripe runs along each side from the gill plate to the base of that fiery tail, completing a formidable and unmistakable pattern. While juveniles commonly encountered in aquariums might be 18 inches, this fish is built for serious growth; wild specimens can exceed four feet and 100 pounds, with true river giants pushing 130 pounds—a solid, muscular weight that tests every piece of tackle and angler fortitude.
species.getBySlug
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"id": "9e74eddc-16cc-437a-9bd4-200d89a37886",
"commonName": "Redtail Catfish",
"scientificName": "Phractocephalus hemioliopterus",
"slug": "redtail-catfish",
"category": "freshwater",
"aliases": [
"red tail catfish",
"Amazon redtail catfish",
"RTC",
"Pla Amazon Daeng",
"Redtail",
"South American Redtail Catfish",
"Pirarara",
"Cajaro",
"Flat-nosed Catfish",
"Banjo Catfish"
],
"description": "The Redtail Catfish is a spectacular freshwater behemoth, built like a torpedo with a broad, flattened head and a powerful, sweeping tail. Its most arresting feature is the brilliant, almost electric crimson or deep orange-red of the caudal fin and the upper lobe of the tail, which starkly contrasts with its charcoal-grey to nearly black dorsal coloring. The flanks are typically a mottled olive-grey or silver, and a thick, white stripe runs along each side from the gill plate to the base of that fiery tail, completing a formidable and unmistakable pattern. While juveniles commonly encountered in aquariums might be 18 inches, this fish is built for serious growth; wild specimens can exceed four feet and 100 pounds, with true river giants pushing 130 pounds—a solid, muscular weight that tests every piece of tackle and angler fortitude.",
"imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/redtail-catfish/main.webp",
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"caption": "The Redtail Catfish is a spectacular freshwater behemoth, built like a torpedo with a broad, flattened head and a powerful, sweeping tail.",
"width": 2400,
"height": 1340
},
"phases": [
{
"id": "41b298e2-9084-4bd7-a1ec-1da95b41ca00",
"name": "Juvenile",
"slug": "juvenile",
"description": "The juvenile Redtail Catfish is a smaller, more vibrant version of its adult self, often found in aquariums and smaller river systems. This phase is marked by rapid growth and a curious, opportunistic feeding behavior as it establishes its territory in the wild. Anglers might encounter these fish in shallower waters where they hunt for insects, crustaceans, and small fish.",
"appearance": "Body length typically ranges from 6 to 18 inches, with a slender, torpedo-shaped build that will thicken with age. The dorsal coloring is a dark charcoal-grey or black, while the flanks show a mottled pattern of olive-grey or silver with a prominent, thick white stripe running horizontally from the gill plate to the base of the tail. The caudal fin and upper tail lobe display a bright, electric crimson or deep orange-red, though the colors may be slightly less intense than in adults. The head is broad and flattened, with small eyes and barbels around the mouth.",
"triggers": null,
"habitat": "Found in freshwater rivers, streams, and flooded forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, often in shallower, slower-moving waters with cover like logs or vegetation.",
"anglersNote": "This phase is catchable on lighter tackle and is popular in aquariums, but anglers should practice catch-and-release to support conservation efforts.",
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},
{
"id": "42d79357-fa69-42c9-af8c-8989b3a6e645",
"name": "Adult",
"slug": "adult",
"description": "The adult Redtail Catfish is a true river giant, commanding deep channels and murky waters with its immense size and power. In this phase, the fish is a apex predator, feeding on larger prey like fish and crustaceans, and represents the ultimate trophy for adventurous anglers. Its life revolves around patrolling vast river systems in search of food and suitable habitats.",
"appearance": "Body length can exceed 4 feet, with weights over 100 pounds and giants up to 130 pounds, featuring a robust, muscular build like a torpedo with a broad, flattened head. The dorsal side is a deep charcoal-grey to nearly black, while the flanks are mottled olive-grey or silver, accentuated by a thick, stark white stripe running from the gill plate to the tail base. The caudal fin and upper tail lobe are brilliantly crimson or deep orange-red, creating a striking contrast. The body is solid and heavy, with powerful fins and barbels around the mouth.",
"triggers": "Reaching sexual maturity and significant size, typically after several years of growth.",
"habitat": "Inhabits deep, slow-moving freshwater rivers, lakes, and flooded areas in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, often in murky or turbid waters with depth.",
"anglersNote": "This is the trophy phase, requiring heavy tackle and strong angling skills; prized for its fight and size, but catch-and-release is recommended due to conservation concerns.",
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],
"contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:30:58.172Z"
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[]
faqs.getByEntity (6)
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{
"id": "11aff1c1-f4a9-4fdc-96a6-6805405fa544",
"question": "How can I identify a Redtail Catfish?",
"answer": "Redtail Catfish are identified by their charcoal-grey to black bodies, broad flattened heads, and a distinctive bright red or orange-red caudal fin. They also have a thick white stripe running along each side.",
"sortOrder": 0
},
{
"id": "608eb7e7-e841-4e3e-89f0-fce1d8997664",
"question": "Where do Redtail Catfish live?",
"answer": "These fish inhabit freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and flooded areas within the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. They prefer slower-moving waters, often in deeper channels or murky conditions.",
"sortOrder": 1
},
{
"id": "3e8165e4-bc85-4f96-8b23-2d635d43d201",
"question": "What do juvenile Redtail Catfish eat?",
"answer": "Juvenile Redtail Catfish are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They are often found in shallower waters where these food sources are abundant.",
"sortOrder": 2
},
{
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"question": "What tackle is needed for adult Redtail Catfish?",
"answer": "Adult Redtail Catfish are trophy-sized fish that require heavy tackle due to their immense size and power. Anglers should be prepared with strong rods, reels, and lines to handle these giants.",
"sortOrder": 3
},
{
"id": "eaf8ce9f-1e57-4e8e-bd05-80da55a2b4e3",
"question": "Are Redtail Catfish good to eat?",
"answer": "The provided data does not contain information about the edibility of Redtail Catfish.",
"sortOrder": 4
},
{
"id": "38d8569c-5d3a-4172-9995-9a2ad009a865",
"question": "Should I practice catch-and-release with Redtail Catfish?",
"answer": "Yes, catch-and-release is recommended for both juvenile and adult Redtail Catfish due to conservation concerns. This helps support healthy populations of these impressive river giants.",
"sortOrder": 5
}
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"description": "Redtail Catfish: a South American freshwater giant with a vibrant red tail. Learn about its habitat, size, and angling challenges in Amazon and Orinoco basins.",
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