New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌿 Sustainable Seafood ⚡ Omega-3 Rankings 🔬 Mercury Safety 🏆 World Records 🎣 Fishing Licenses
API Docs
Get API Key →
💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Tropical 🎣 Game Fish

Redtail catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
← All Species
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

Overview information for Redtail catfish is currently being compiled by our editorial team.

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

Diet information for Redtail catfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Redtail catfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 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

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Redtail catfish ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.