Size
The largest and most recognisable fish in the Bagridae family is the red-tail catfish, which can grow to a maximum length of 130 cm and a maximum weight of 80 kg.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
In most of Southeast Asia, rivers are home to the enormous, hostile Asian Redtail Cat. This species is a potential predator and is only appropriate for highly advanced fish keepers. They inhabit a broad range of natural environments; however, they are most common in slow to swift current regions. They can survive in an aquarium with moderate wind and oxygen. Adults of this fish may grow over 30 inches in length. Thus, only the biggest aquariums or indoor ponds will do. Additionally, they are quite hostile toward most other fish.
Keeping and Care as Pet
- Care
Care for redtail catfish can be both simple and complex. It’s simple since they eat quickly and grow quickly. They require nothing in the way of particular maintenance because they can tolerate a wide range of aquarium water conditions. However, they may also be incredibly challenging because they become utterly enormous and, if you’re not careful, will devour the majority of the other fish in your tank.
- Water Conditions
It thrives in calm, slightly acidic water. Fish prefer certain water characteristics: 70-79 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26 degrees Celsius), a pH of 5.5-7.0, and a salinity of 0–3 parts per million are the required conditions. 5–12 on the scale of hardness.
- Tank Size
A young redtail catfish, which can grow to be less than two inches long, has adorably gorgeous black, white, and red markings. The primary issue in keeping red tail catfish, though, is their rapid and enormous growth. For them, 3 feet is on the shorter end, with 4 feet being a good average. Additionally, they can grow up to six feet long within the bounds of their native Orinoco and Amazonian River systems.
Even worse, that growth happens very quickly. A baby redtail catfish is only a few inches long. However, it will grow twice as long in two to three months. It will become quite large in a year, and by the following year you will need a yardstick to gauge its length.
That means an adult redtail catfish needs a tank that is at least 500 gallons in size. Given the requirement for your fish to be able to turn around easily, probably larger.
- Tank Companions
Redtail catfish tank mates should be chosen with extreme caution. Considering that most of their tank mates will be resting at night and that these fish have a wide mouth, a broad head, a huge appetite, and a nighttime activity schedule. Even swift tank mates could end up going missing after being sucked whole by a hungry redtail catfish while they slept.
Choose fish that develop at a similar rate and do well in a larger tank configuration if you don’t want tank mates that need to be transferred lest they are devoured. Larger cichlids like Oscars and Peacock Bass are potential alternatives. Other well-liked tank mates that are unlikely to be eaten are arowanas and stingrays. Red tail catfish are hungry yet not particularly violent. The majority of huge fish and even other bottom dwellers get along quite well with them. Unless it’s time to eat, they will often ignore the other fish in their aquarium.
- Feeding
Because they are predators, redtail catfish are unable to assimilate all of the ground-up plant material. The first few ingredients should include fish meal, shrimp meal, and other types of animal protein. Because they are predators, redtail catfish are unable to assimilate all of the ground-up plant material. The first few ingredients should include fish meal, shrimp meal, and other types of animal protein. Fresh meaty foods like shrimp, scallops, and white fish are among the greatest things to feed redtail catfish. Stay away from meats that are overly fatty, such as chicken, hog, or beef. Only consume lean seafood.
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