Asian redtail catfish are often a different species from the more common South American Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), with the Asian version (Hemibagrus wyckioides or H. nemurus) being generally longer and thinner, with duller colors. Key features include a brown or greenish body, gray fins with a violet tint, and a red or orange tail fin. They are aggressive, carnivorous, and can grow very large in the wild.
Description
Body: Brown with a greenish sheen. Younger fish may have a distinct white stripe on the lower body, which darkens with age.
Fins: Gray with a violet tint. The tail fin has a noticeable red or orange highlight.
Size: In the wild, can reach lengths of nearly 6 feet and weigh over 150 pounds, though captive individuals may be smaller.
Head: Flattened and often rugose (wrinkled).
Barbels: Four pairs of barbels around the mouth, which are highly sensitive and used for smell.
Pectoral Fins: Serrated along the inner edge of the spine.
Habitat and Behavior
Habitat: Found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins in Southeast Asia. Inhabits main river channels and can be found in rapids.
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial, and a voracious, active predator, especially at night.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on other fish and a wide variety of food sources.
Movement: Will move into flooded forests during the wet season for migration.
Other information
Aquarium care: Requires a very large tank, due to their size and active nature. Keeping them with smaller, more delicate fish is not recommended.
Handing: Can be handled with care as there are no dangerous areas, but they are strong and fast.
Reproduction: Difficult to determine sex visually, but males may have longer, more pointed dorsal fins during breeding season.
Lifespan: Captive lifespan is 15-20 years, but they grow very quickly and require long-term commitment.
Asian redtail catfish are often a different species from the more common South American Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), with the Asian version (Hemibagrus wyckioides or H. nemurus) being generally longer and thinner, with duller colors. Key features include a brown or greenish body, gray fins with a violet tint, and a red or orange tail fin. They are aggressive, carnivorous, and can grow very large in the wild.
Description
Body: Brown with a greenish sheen. Younger fish may have a distinct white stripe on the lower body, which darkens with age.
Fins: Gray with a violet tint. The tail fin has a noticeable red or orange highlight.
Size: In the wild, can reach lengths of nearly 6 feet and weigh over 150 pounds, though captive individuals may be smaller.
Head: Flattened and often rugose (wrinkled).
Barbels: Four pairs of barbels around the mouth, which are highly sensitive and used for smell.
Pectoral Fins: Serrated along the inner edge of the spine.
Habitat and Behavior
Habitat: Found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins in Southeast Asia. Inhabits main river channels and can be found in rapids.
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial, and a voracious, active predator, especially at night.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on other fish and a wide variety of food sources.
Movement: Will move into flooded forests during the wet season for migration.
Other information
Aquarium care: Requires a very large tank, due to their size and active nature. Keeping them with smaller, more delicate fish is not recommended.
Handing: Can be handled with care as there are no dangerous areas, but they are strong and fast.
Reproduction: Difficult to determine sex visually, but males may have longer, more pointed dorsal fins during breeding season.
Lifespan: Captive lifespan is 15-20 years, but they grow very quickly and require long-term commitment.
