Redtail Catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Redtail Catfish is a giant Amazonian catfish prized by anglers and aquarium keepers. It lives in large tropical rivers and floodplains, growing fast and feeding opportunistically on fish, crustaceans, and carrion.

Freshwater

Redtail Catfish reference image — harum.koh from Kobe city, Japan, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Distinct bright red or orange tail fin contrasting with a dark body
White to pale cream underside with a dark back and flanks
Very broad head with long white barbels and a wide, flattened mouth

Habitat

Large warm lowland rivers, flooded forests, deep channels, and backwaters in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo basins; often near submerged structure and muddy bottoms.

Bait notes

Use large live or cut fish, chunk bait, shrimp, worms, and oily dead bait; oversized soft plastics and swimbaits can also draw strikes. Match local prey and fish big baits to target large individuals.

Behavior

Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, with a strong sense of smell and lateral-line detection. It is an opportunistic predator/scavenger that patrols deep water and ambushes prey along drop-offs and cover.

Caution

Strongly advised not to release outside native range because it is an invasive risk in many waters. Large individuals may accumulate mercury; also handle with care due to sharp pectoral spines and powerful body mass.

Fishing notes

Fish deep holes, channel edges, and current seams at night or in low light. Heavy tackle, strong leaders, and big hooks are needed; this species can exceed 50 kg and makes powerful runs.