About Redtail Catfish

WARNING: The Redtail Catfish is a MASSIVE predator that grows to 3-4 feet long and requires pools or enormous tanks of 1000+ gallons as adults. These fish are often sold as 2-3 inch juveniles in pet stores, leading to extreme animal welfare issues as they quickly outgrow any reasonable home aquarium. They are voracious predators that will eat anything that fits in their enormous mouth. This fish is included here as a WARNING against purchasing it. Very few aquarists can provide appropriate housing. If you see one for sale, DO NOT BUY IT unless you have a pond or massive professional aquarium facility.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

REQUIRES ENORMOUS TANKS OR PONDS

Minimum Requirements:

  • 300 gallons: For first year only
  • 1000+ gallons: For adults
  • OR: Outdoor pond for adults
  • Massive filtration: Industrial grade
  • Heavy construction: These fish are strong

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Massive water changes: Hundreds of gallons

WARNING - DO NOT BUY

Critical Information:

  • Sold as: Cute 2-3 inch babies
  • Adult size: 3-4 feet long
  • Weight: 50+ pounds
  • Tank requirement: 1000+ gallons or pond
  • Lifespan: 15-20 years
  • Food: Massive amounts of fish, meat

Predatory Behavior

  • Voracious: Will eat anything
  • Tank mates: Will eat everything
  • Massive appetite: Requires enormous feeding

The Pet Store Problem

  • Unethical sales: Sold to unsuspecting buyers
  • Abandonment: Often released or killed when too large
  • Animal cruelty: Fish suffer in small tanks
  • Never appropriate: For home aquariums

If You Have One

  • Find a zoo or public aquarium: May take it
  • Professional aquarium: Large facility only
  • Pond: Outdoor heated pond possible
  • Never release: Invasive species

Alternatives

For catfish enthusiasts, consider:

  • Pictus Catfish: 4-5 inches
  • Synodontis: Various sizes under 8 inches
  • Raphael Catfish: 6 inches
  • Small plecos: Under 6 inches

Legal/Ethical Issues

  • Releasing illegal: Invasive species
  • Ethical concerns: Animal welfare
  • Responsible aquarists: Never buy these

Purpose of This Entry

This fish is listed to WARN aquarists:

  • DO NOT BUY
  • Not suitable for any home aquarium
  • Requires professional facilities
  • Report stores selling them irresponsibly

If you want a catfish, there are hundreds of appropriate species. The Redtail Catfish is NOT one of them.

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 None