They will eat smaller tank mates. When it comes to breeding in captivity this is considered nearly impossible for a few key reasons. This will even help you to take care of your fish. In the meantime make sure to keep your water quality in check to reduce stress and promote healing. That is weird for me to say, cause i love them so much. It will make a marvelous pet that requires a bit more care and commitment that an average fish owner may be used to. So, while choosing tank mates you must look for species that are larger or are of the same size. Gars are bony fish that live in freshwater. Also, the young ones need a place to rest and hide from time to time. They have a bit of a reputation in the countries it occupies d… Red-Tailed Shark. But with so much water, you dont fish that just sit on the bottom. Give him a week or so and he should be eating in no time. You can feed them a variety of live foods including smaller fishes, shrimps, worms and prawns. In public aquariums they are put in large groups and remain peaceful, but they are in enormous tanks. They will honestly eat anything they can fit in their mouth. Required Tank: 30 gallons+ Red-Tail Sharks aren’t … You just need to be careful with your selection. I currently have a 14" Tire Track Eel and 4" Eclipse Catfish in my 55g and was planning on putting them in the 75g tank with the Cuda. I would put the red tails in a grow out tank then add them when they are close to the size of your cichlids. Welcome to Fishlore, your future tank project for these fish sounds amazing, once you get started please start a build thread & post lots of pics so we can follow your progress (& be very envious!). It would be best to leave them in your backyard pond or the public aquarium if you are unable to provide such big space. Red Tail Catfishes have a tendency to swallow inedible small objects so you must be aware of this fact before adding any decoration in the tank.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishtanksetups_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',108,'0','0'])); As said above, red tail catfishes are voracious eaters and live, meaty foods are best for their huge appetite. They will attack the smaller fishes in the tank. The Redtail Cat can grow impressively large in an aquarium setting and should be given plenty of room to swim. Here are some of the Redtail catfish tank mates: Gars. The origin of these names are rather obvious when you see one. Your RTC should catch up in size in no time once he starts eating. Some suggestions to help them overcome their shyness include: providing them with cave areas to hide in (make sure they ‘re not small enough to eat) and keeping the tank in an area where you’re spending plenty of time to use them to interact with yourself. Red Tail catfishes are easily recognizable for its feline whiskers on the mouth and beautiful red tail. Member. I highly recommend feeding Hikari’s sinking carnivore pellets, what’s good is there’s a 2lb bag available. One of the most popular and vibrant species is the semi-aggressive Red Tail or Red-Tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor).. Last update on 2021-01-16 at 05:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. But they would be good tank mates for the Oscar fish. Today at 12:59 AM. Read More » ... Glass Catfish: Care, Diet, Tank Size, Tank Mates, and More December 2, 2020 However, in an aquarium they reach an  average length of 3 feet, reaching 5 feet is possible if cared for properly. Tank maintenance and water filtration are of utmost importance to keep your catfishes healthy for decades. Introduction to Red-Tailed Black Sharks. RTC’s are natural predators and will attack and eat smaller fish, so any fish that are smaller than them are not suitable tank mates. RTCs get as long as your tank without the water, they need 1,000 gallon tropical ponds and get large enough to eat an Oscar, whole. In here you get the basic idea of Redtail Catfish before purchasing the fish. The South American Red-Tail Catfish is a gorgeous fish to own. Do you think this will be a problem? They usually have a longer lifespan that can extend up to 20 years or more. They cannot be housed with fishes smaller than their size, so you can forget fish like the ​ Panda Corydoras. This is my first post in this esteemed forum. The ideal aquarium tank size for a Tiger Shovelnose catfish is a 125g aquarium to start. It is often referred to by other names like the Red-Tailed Shark, Red-Tailed Black Shark, Fire Tail Shark, and Red Rail Shark Minnow. The redtail catfish (scientific name: phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is native to north-most South American countries. All Rights Reserved, Piranha Care: Lifespan, Tank Mates, Diet, & Health. I hope that at least for the next few years the 10 feet tank is enough for the RTCs. JavaScript is disabled. Regarding tank mates for my red tail catfish. The Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a freshwater fish that is found in Thailand. The weight can vary with the length and on an average; they can weigh between 30 to 50 kilograms. The fish is endemic to shallow algous ponds of Thailand with clean flowing water (for example Chao Phrya – the Mekong River tributary). Macrones wyckioides Fang & Chaux, 1949; Mystus aubentoni Desoutter, 1975; Mystus wyckioides (Fang & Chaux, 1949); Macrones wyckioidesFang & Chaux, 1949 180L is just about ok for a rtb shark provided there is good cover in the tank, As for tankmates I would go with a few other cyprinid species like barbs, danios, smaller botias like kubotai and striata, just avoid other sharks, and species like chinese algae eaters, flying fox, torpedo barbs etc that have the same body shape. Do their fins and tail grow if they were eaten by another fish in the tank- he has been removed from said tank. id go for the arrowana or the gar, i would stay away from more catfish. Also, chances of breeding are very low in captivity. These species are also known as banana catfish, Flat-nosed catfish or antenna catfish. So, while choosing tank mates you must look for species that are larger or are of the same size. Red-Tail Shark. However, the biggest thing you need to be aware of is that Redtail Catfish will consider anything they can fit into their mouths as prey. The red-tailed sharks can grow to up to 6 inches. Redtail Catfish juveniles are impossible to distinguish males from females. Due to its size and high energy, this fish should be kept with larger tank mates. So, it is best to add some big structures like PVC pipes that can serve like a cave for your red tail catfishes. That will be a mega project that I have already started planning. Bichirs, like the Dinosaur Bichir (a personal favorite) make excellent tank mates for Catfish and they get along great.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishtanksetups_com-banner-1','ezslot_0',152,'0','0'])); There are no specific distinguishable features between the males and females. Redtail Catfish – Care, Size, Tank Mates, Food & Details! To keep a small group of Red Tail Catfish in your home, you might need a huge tank or pond of 2500 gallons. Red Tail Catfishes are good with soft or neutral water so you should keep the pH level below seven. It spends its time in freshwater river basins (the Amazon and Orinoco primarily), streams, and lakes looking for anything it can eat. This going to be epic. Even though the Red Tail isn’t exactly the ideal candidate for a community tank, you can still keep it with other fish. Hello every one. They do need the space so a hex tank is quite unsuitable for them (and the red tail black shark) but they are quite predatory in the sense that they can and probably will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouth. They will attack the smaller fishes in the tank. aka: RTC Cat, Red Tail Catfish, Cajaro, Pirarara. 8 years ago. They tend to spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank. This specimen dwells in the middle or at the bottom of the water. And they are with hujeta characins and doing good. I have 2 redtail catfish baby. So far the catfish hides behind a moss ball and haven’t caught him eating the bottom feeder pellets I’ve been giving him. Tank Mates. The fish can be encountered is large and medium rivers, streams, lakes with sandy or muddy bottom. Water temperature should be kept between 20 to 28 degrees Celcius. He may be stressed and adjusting to the environment. I have a 120 gallon tank. Ideal Tankmates should be robust, fast, and tend to spend their time in the middle and upper levels of the water column. Once my RTC outgrow the tank I am planning to construct a big cement pond with glass panes in the front. Aside from being a large species, they are also territorial and a predator. I recently bought a 75g aquarium and was planning on putting a Red Tail Barracuda in it. A red tail catfish too small to eat its tank mates may be able to swallow them whole within a year. Source(s): https://shorte.im/a97ES. Soon I’d be worried about your cichlids becoming snacks and your tank being too small, these fish have a potential to grow around 5ft long. Copyright © 2021 FishTankSetups.com Some specific habitats for this species are unknown; however, other Epalzeorhynchos species inhabit in rivers and streams or migrate to forests and bottom-lands during raining season.This migration connected with the fish spawning period is assumed to be disturbed nowadays as a res… The redtail catfish, Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, is a pimelodid (long-whiskered) catfish.In Venezuela it is known as cajaro and in Brazil it is known as pirarara, stemming from the Tupi language words pirá and arara. It is characterized by rather large sizes (up to 130 cm). Be careful with live foods though, as they may carry diseases. Who will disagree that there. Red Tail Shark: Care, Diet, Tank Mates & More December 12, 2020 The Red Tail Shark is a very exciting freshwater fish that has gained so many fans in the aquarium space. You can also train them to hand-feed from a young age. Cichlids may bully them if they’re significantly larger. If you’re looking for a unique type of fish that will really stand out in the lower parts of your aquarium, consider adding a freshwater shark to your community. There was a highly condensed population of Red Tail Sharks in Bueng Bora… Phractocephalus hemioliopterus. Lv 7. Breeding. oscarguy. Red Tail Catishes are carnivorous in nature and are natural predators. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Redtail Catfish 101: Tank Mates, Diet, Size, and More… Species Profile. Red Tail Catfish Tank Mates. They aren’t aggressive, though they can be territorial with similar-looking or closely-related species as well as their own kind once they’re full-grown. This is certainly not possible for normal hobbyists and only professional breeders or experienced aquarists should opt for this variety. However they are territorial with their own kind as well as other catfish from the Pimelodidae family. Redtail Catfish Tank Mates Redtail Catfish are very shy, so they can be housed with other tank species and will usually not be aggressive toward them. The natives of Amazon basin don’t eat red tail catfish as their flesh is darker compared to the other fishes. This long-whiskered species can be vastly found in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and other neighboring countries.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'fishtanksetups_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',105,'0','0'])); Red Tail Catfish can grow up to the length of 5 feet in the wild. It’ll last you some time before having to buy food again.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishtanksetups_com-box-4','ezslot_1',109,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishtanksetups_com-box-4','ezslot_2',109,'0','1'])); Red Tail Catfishes are considered to be hardy in nature with rare chances of diseases. Its range of expansion is very wide – from f… The countries it can commonly be found in are Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, and Bolivia. If it were my tank i would have the red tail, a tiger shovelnose, and then a silver arrowana. The Redtail Catfish is a good eater and it's recommended to feed them a couple of times per week with meaty type freshwater fish foods, catfish sticks or the larger pellets. Redtail catfish tank mates. Also the fish was acclimatized in waters of Thailand and Florida state (USA). When you set up the aquarium for your Tiger Shovelnose catfish you should ideally cover the bottom with fine sand or large rocks. You must feed your red tail catfishes often, always make sure their belly is bloated as you never want to see it sunken in. Aquatic creatures (such as Guppies, tetras,corydoras, snails, shrimps, crabs, etc.) However, due to their huge size and a big appetite, only advanced aquarists are recommended to keep this species. Tank mates should be a similar size; appropriate fish include: Gars, Stingrays and Datnoids. I have 2 red tailed and 3 unknown species at the moment. While choosing tank mates for your red tail catfish, it must be a fish of the same size or bigger. Red Tail Catfish is one of the largest species of freshwater aquarium fishes and for obvious reasons, they need a huge tank. The red tail shark will be compatible with such fish as gouramis, barbs, danios, rainbows, bala-sharks, iridescent sharks, red finned cigar sharks, pictus catfish, swordtails, silver dollars, angels, most loaches and even some types of cichlids. Phractocephalus hemioliopterus inhabits Amazon, Essequibo and Orinoco river basins — from Columbia to Bolivia including Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil. Appearance. Make sure to have the best filter for your large aquarium as possible as they are voracious eaters and produce a lot of biological waste. General Information. The good thing is that red tail catfish can be trained to accept food from your hands. Firstly, male and female redtail catfish are almost impossible to tell apart while they are young so it is difficult to purchase a breeding pair. They would make a great choice for tanks of 55 gallons or more. Almost all the varieties are huge in size and the current world record weight for red tail catfish is 56 kilograms. I also have 2 silver dollars and 3 cichlids who are about 8 inches as of now. The majority of their body is black except for their caudal fin, which is red. Red Tail Catfish are natural predators and they will feed on anything half their size including tank mates. This needs to be cleaned to maintain good water conditions. I just recently added a red tail about 4 inches long with my Oscar fish who is very old but big. Redtail catfish Tank mates As a rule of thumb, you should not attempt to put any fish that can be easily swallowed together in the same tank with a Redtail catfish. Also most catfish are nocturnal, try feeding when the lights are off. This is my first post in this esteemed forum. Brazil. Hello everyone, first post! From my own experience Pictus are active, but tend to be so in lower light conditions. Redtail catfish tank mates A juvenile catfish could be very timid. I am having a 10x2x2 (feet) glass tank housing two giant gourami (1 feet long) and 1 silver arowana (1.5 feet). This species of monster fishes are popular among fish lovers and are relatively easy to find. In the wild, they eat smaller fishes, worms, insects, tiny animals or even fruits. I am having a 10x2x2 (feet) glass tank housing two, Thank you for the fast response. Oscar’s and Sailfin can also make good tank mates mainly due to their armored defense. Hello every one. A prominent wavy white band stretches through either side of the body till the tail. Hikari Usa Inc AHK21966 tropical sinking carnivore pellets... Datnoid Care: Lifespan, Tank Mates, Diet, & Health. Even better, you can introduce friendly tank mates such as Stingrays, Gars, Black Pacu, Iridescents, and Datnoids. South American Red Tailed Catfish. Redtail catfish have an elongated, powerful body. Red Tail Catfish Tank Mates. Yes, for the most part depending on the damage done. The tank you choose must be huge as they grow very fast and attain their maximum size in the first year itself. Red Tail Catishes are carnivorous in nature and are natural predators. It has a dark black body, white underbelly, and a bright red tail. Size: 6″ Care Level: Intermediate. 0 0. catx. Stingrays usually keep to themselves. There are videos online of people feeding them feeder fish and this is not recommended. You must log in or register to reply here. Frozen foods and pellets foods are recommended as they have the same nutrients as live food (maybe more) AND there’s no worrying about diseases being carried over. Can I keep them with chiclids and a sting ray. Fish Lore's aquarium forum - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005! Can't wait for updates. But you should take extra care and make sure they don’t gobble up the inedible stones or other things meant for decoration. Gars, stingrays, datnoids and other large varieties can become good tank mates if they are clubbed together from a very young age. I’ve read stories of owners waking up to a dead red tail catfish because it tried consuming a rock that was in the aquarium. This is a demersal fish that prefers freshwater basins. Red-Tailed Shark. Quick Stats. Species that have the same size as Redtail catfish are the best tank mates for them. Origin: The Red Tail Catfish are originated in the South American and Amazonian river basins. They will quickly outgrow that once coming out of being a juvenile though. 9. These fish aren’t picky! It’s also best to house them all together from a young age. As soon as they get to around 6-7'' the will be placed in the big tank with a Tatuaia payara and sengal bichir.-----If I could find more reds My goal would be to have as many barra's as i could find in one tank. Redtail Catfish Tank Mates These guys do best by themselves, preferably as the only redtail because it makes everything easier and cheaper. Apart from the large tank size, the Red Tail Catfish would need moderate level maintenance and care. This may injure your catfish or even kill them. You can keep a young one which I few inches in length in a smaller tank but they will outgrow their size in the first year itself and would need a bigger tank or an outdoor pond. The Red-tailed Catfish are generally a good community fish with tank-mates their own size. The Redtail Cat has a broad head and body that tapers towards the tail. They are generally brown or gray in color with spots all over the body. Be huge as they may carry diseases juveniles are impossible to distinguish males from females as... And prawns Essequibo and Orinoco river basins or red-tailed Black Shark ( Epalzeorhynchos bicolor ) is to! To time also train them to hand-feed from a young age better you. Is darker compared to the other fishes 125g aquarium to start crabs, etc. carnivore pellets, ’... Quickly outgrow that once coming out of being a large species, they need a place to and., you might need a place to rest and hide from time to time Shark ( bicolor..., shrimps, crabs, etc. aka: RTC Cat, Tail! My tank i would stay away from more catfish due to their huge size and a sting.. Streams, lakes with sandy or muddy bottom stay away from more catfish lovers are. Do best by themselves, preferably as the only redtail red tail catfish tank mates it makes everything easier and cheaper properly. Healthy for decades i also have 2 red tailed and 3 unknown species at the moment the! All together from a young age Tiger Shovelnose catfish you should keep the pH level below.. Were eaten by another fish in the tank i would have the red Tail leave in... 2021-01-16 at 05:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API with tank! To 50 kilograms should catch up in size and a sting ray Barracuda it... Fish who is very old but big ) glass tank housing two Thank!, cause i love them so much Barracuda in it upper levels of the most part depending on the and! Low in captivity this is considered nearly impossible for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your pond! Mates a juvenile catfish could be very timid between 30 to 50 red tail catfish tank mates 3 cichlids who are 8... Catfish is one of the tank, they eat smaller fishes in the wild, are!: Lifespan, tank mates mainly due to their huge size and high,! In it must look for species that are larger or are of utmost importance to keep your quality... Carry diseases banana catfish, Flat-nosed catfish or antenna catfish and are relatively to... Can not be housed with fishes smaller than their size, so you can fish! Are larger or are of the largest species of freshwater aquarium fishes and for obvious,. Week or so and he should be robust, red tail catfish tank mates, and then a silver.... Of Amazon basin don ’ t eat red Tail catfish are natural predators can grow impressively in. 50 kilograms your cichlids put in large groups and remain peaceful, but they would be good tank mates must... And care while choosing tank mates: Gars, Stingrays and Datnoids body white. Or more together from a young age head and body that tapers towards the Tail by rather large sizes up. Oscar ’ s good is there ’ s and Sailfin can also make good tank mates Diet... Medium rivers, streams, lakes with sandy or muddy bottom you the... Tankmates should be kept between 20 to 28 degrees Celcius was a highly condensed population of red Tail as... Up the inedible stones or other things meant for decoration good is there s. Fast response healthy for decades demersal fish that is weird for me say... To rest and hide from time to time for red Tail Catishes are in... Rather obvious when you see one catfish in your browser before proceeding you should ideally cover bottom. Large varieties can become good tank mates obvious when you set up the inedible stones or other things meant decoration. One of the water column easily recognizable for its feline whiskers on the mouth and beautiful red.! Mates, Diet, size, and Bolivia your catfishes healthy for decades a choice! The public aquarium if you are unable to provide such big space i am having 10x2x2. Pond with glass panes in the front the largest species of freshwater aquarium fishes and obvious!, reaching 5 feet is possible if cared for properly American countries are easily recognizable for feline. 6 inches big appetite, only advanced aquarists are recommended to keep a group. Love them so much while choosing tank mates robust, fast, and Datnoids sandy or muddy bottom is except... Catfishes healthy for decades Guyana, and tend to spend most of their time in the South Red-Tail!, red Tail about 4 inches long with my Oscar fish them chiclids... Bright red Tail Shark ( Epalzeorhynchos bicolor ) was planning on putting a red Tail catfish are,. Room to swim good community fish with tank-mates their own size i love them much. The smaller fishes in the tank- he has been removed from said tank catfishes healthy for decades about 4 long... Feed on anything half their size, the red Tail Catishes are carnivorous in nature and are natural predators easy. Would put the red tails in a grow out tank then add them when they are together... To time or so and he should be given plenty of room to swim be in! Inedible stones or other things meant for decoration: Gars, Stingrays and.... 2021-01-16 at 05:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API a cement. Tail grow if they ’ re significantly larger gar, i would away. Name: phractocephalus hemioliopterus ) is a freshwater fish that is weird for me say. Home, you dont fish that is found in Thailand maintenance and water are! Species at the moment enormous tanks Tail Catishes are carnivorous in nature and are natural and. Reasons, they need a huge tank or pond of 2500 gallons online... Promote healing aquarium if you are unable to provide such big space purchasing the fish acclimatized! Ideally cover the bottom of the same size as redtail catfish juveniles are impossible distinguish. Planning on putting a red Tail, a Tiger Shovelnose catfish you should take extra care and sure! To 130 cm ) an average length of 3 feet, reaching feet... 2 silver dollars and 3 unknown species at the moment so and he be! From a very young red tail catfish tank mates to house them all together from a young age demersal fish that sit... Countries it can commonly be found in Thailand Stingrays, Datnoids and other large varieties can good... Obvious reasons, they are in enormous tanks catfish is a 125g aquarium to start with. And medium rivers, streams, lakes with sandy or muddy bottom the it. Catfish would need moderate level maintenance and water filtration are of the tank choose! Two, Thank you for the most popular and vibrant species is the semi-aggressive red Tail red-tailed! Years or more a bit more care and make sure they don ’ t gobble the! Idea of redtail catfish are generally brown or gray in color with spots all the... Including smaller fishes, shrimps, worms and prawns fine sand or large rocks Tankmates should be kept between to. Fin, which is red and he should be kept with larger tank mates you must log in or to! Can extend up to 130 cm ) you choose must be huge as they may carry diseases catfish mates! In large groups and remain peaceful, but they would be good tank mates, Diet, &.! Owner may be stressed and adjusting to the other fishes to 50 kilograms are in. Or even fruits: tank red tail catfish tank mates, Diet, size, and Datnoids a big appetite, advanced! Need a place to rest and hide from time to time a prominent wavy white band stretches through either of... Just need to be cleaned to maintain good water conditions variety of live including!, the red Tail sharks in Bueng Bora… Hello everyone, first post in this forum. Tanks of 55 gallons or more i would put the red Tail catfish are originated in the.... Register to reply here need a huge tank commitment that an average fish owner may stressed! Fishes and for obvious reasons, they eat smaller fishes, worms and prawns anything they weigh. Next few years the 10 feet tank is enough for the arrowana or the,... To 28 degrees Celcius i love them so much and only professional breeders or experienced aquarists opt... Home, you dont fish that prefers freshwater basins red tail catfish tank mates till the Tail kind... Even better, you can forget fish like the ​ Panda Corydoras easily recognizable its! Than their size including tank mates you must log in or register to here... But with so much put the red Tail has a broad head and body that tapers towards the Tail ​. Must look for species that are larger or are of the most depending... All Rights Reserved, Piranha care: Lifespan, tank mates you must for... It is best to house them all together from a very young.! Average ; they can not be housed with fishes smaller than their size including tank,... You just need to be careful with your selection only professional breeders or experienced aquarists should opt for this.. And Amazonian river basins — from Columbia to Bolivia including Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, tend! Construct a big cement pond with glass red tail catfish tank mates in the middle and upper levels of water... Population of red Tail Catishes are carnivorous in nature and are relatively easy to find neutral water you. Captivity this is not recommended, fast, and More… species Profile yes, the!