Phractocephalus hemioliopterusRed-tail Catfish
authority not recorded
Max length
1340mm SL53in SL
The red-tail catfish, Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, is a giant pimelodid catfish from much of the Amazon and Rio Orinoco basins in South America. The largest specimen recorded by science measured 134 cm and weighed more than 40 kg, and keeping one at home is not recommended without the facilities to house it for life. Juveniles are sold cheaply, and fish dumped when they outgrow their tanks have established populations in the USA and several other countries.
