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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Tropical 🎣 Game Fish

Redtail catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
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Max Length
135 cm
Max Weight
44.2 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
67.00/100
Typical Length
60 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), first described by Bloch & Schneider, 1801 is a very large fish. Adults typically reach 135.00 cm in maximum length and up to 44.200 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is valued as a game and sport species.

Scientific Name
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Authority
Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
135 cm
Max Weight
44.2 kg
Trophic Level
4.2
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
67.00/100
Migration
Potamodromous
Water Temp
20–26 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Phractocephalus
Phractocephalus
Species
Redtail catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

🐟 Physical Description

: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Redtail catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 5.5 - 6.8; dH range: ? - 10; potamodromous. Tropical; 20°C - 26°C South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Potamodromous
Trophic Level
4.2±0.73
Food Items

fish, crabs and fruits (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00912 × L3.07 (TL)
Max TL
135cm
Max Weight
44,200g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
20–26°C
pH Range
5.5–6.8
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
67.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.2
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Bloch & Schneider, 1801

🎣 Angling Guide

Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing popping cork soft plastics live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp cut mullet soft plastic paddle-tails popping corks
Recommended Tackle
  • medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
  • 30-50 lb braid
  • fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
  • grass flats
  • oyster bars
  • marsh drains
  • deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips

Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.

Regulations Summary

⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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