Redtail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus ON EXHIBIT: River Giants exhibit in River Journey
FUN FACTS
The Redtail Catfish is a pimelodid (long-whiskered) catfish named for its red or orange caudal fin. The barbels along their snout are extremely sensitive and loaded with chemical reception cells, acting as another sense of smell for the fish. Due to their large size, the indigenous people in South America utilize these fish as a food source. They have been introduced into Florida, but have not established a sustainable population.
CONSERVATION
They are considered non-threatened. The species is an important component of the Amazonian fishery.
About This Animal
SIZE: They can grow over 4 feet in the wild.
RANGE: The redtail catfish is native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins of South America.
HABITAT: These freshwater fish can be found in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds throughout the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins in South America.
DIET: Quite an opportunistic feeder in nature, feeding on fish, invertebrates and fallen fruits. It is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling fish that is thought to attack prey by probing and ambush.
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