Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) 2 Inch for Sale in Canada

The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is one of the world’s most iconic freshwater monster fish. Famous for its massive potential size, broad head, long barbels, powerful body, and unmistakable bright red-orange tail, this spectacular South American catfish is a true centerpiece species for experienced monster fish keepers.

This listing is for a juvenile Redtail Catfish measuring approximately 2 inches. Although small at the time of purchase, Redtail Catfish can grow rapidly and eventually become enormous. Their small juvenile size should never be mistaken for a small long-term housing requirement.

The Redtail Catfish is a serious long-term commitment requiring exceptional planning, extremely large permanent housing, powerful filtration, and substantial ongoing maintenance. It is best suited to highly experienced keepers with a realistic plan for the fish’s adult size.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers this exceptional 2-inch Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) for experienced aquarium hobbyists across Canada.

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Why Choose a Redtail Catfish?

One of the Ultimate Freshwater Monster Fish

The Redtail Catfish is admired for its:

Unique Features

Premium Characteristics

• Iconic bright red-orange tail
• Massive broad head
• Long sensory barbels
• Powerful body
• Rapid juvenile growth potential
• Extraordinary adult size
• Fascinating feeding behaviour
• One of the most recognizable monster catfish
• Spectacular centerpiece fish

A healthy Redtail Catfish can become an incredible display animal, but only when provided with truly appropriate long-term housing.

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Size Offered: Approximately 2 Inches

This listing is for a juvenile measuring approximately 2 inches.

At this size, the fish may initially fit comfortably in a large aquarium, but its growth potential is enormous. Buyers should have a permanent housing strategy before purchase.

Important Long-Term Commitment

Do not buy a Redtail Catfish simply because it is currently small.

Before ordering, ensure you have a realistic plan for:

• An extremely large permanent aquarium
• A custom-built monster fish system
• An indoor pond or suitable public/private facility
• Powerful biological filtration
• Heavy-duty mechanical filtration
• Large-volume water changes
• Long-term feeding costs
• Safe handling and transport as the fish grows

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How Large Does a Redtail Catfish Get?

Redtail Catfish can grow extremely large, with adults capable of reaching well over 4 feet (120 cm) in exceptional conditions.

This is not a species suitable for a standard home aquarium as an adult.

Plan for the Adult Fish

The fish’s eventual housing should provide:

• Massive water volume
• Extensive floor space
• Wide turning areas
• Powerful filtration
• Easy access for maintenance
• Safe and reliable water-change systems

For an adult Redtail Catfish, a custom aquarium or indoor pond containing thousands of gallons may be necessary.

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Aquarium Size and Long-Term Housing

A 2-inch juvenile can begin life in a large grow-out aquarium, but it will require progressively larger housing as it grows.

Long-Term Housing Requirements

A mature Redtail Catfish requires an exceptionally large custom-built system. Ordinary large aquariums eventually become inadequate.

Prioritize:

• Length
• Width
• Floor space
• Turning radius
• Water volume
• Filtration capacity

Essential Equipment

• Extremely powerful biological filtration
• Heavy-duty mechanical filtration
• Strong oxygenation
• Reliable heaters where appropriate
• Large-capacity drainage
• Efficient water-change system
• Protected aquarium equipment
• Secure covers

Redtail Catfish produce substantial biological waste, making oversized filtration essential.

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Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
• Common Name: Redtail Catfish
• Size Offered: Approximately 2 inches
• Potential Adult Size: 4 feet+ (120 cm+)
• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Care Level: Expert/Advanced
• Temperament: Predatory
• Diet: Omnivorous predator
• Swimming Level: Bottom and middle levels
• Lifespan: Potentially 15–20+ years with proper care

Maintain stable water quality and perform regular large water changes appropriate for the size and bioload of the fish.

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Feeding Your Redtail Catfish

Redtail Catfish are opportunistic feeders and require a varied, balanced diet.

Suitable Foods

• High-quality large sinking carnivore pellets
• Catfish pellets
• Shrimp
• Prawns
• Mussels
• Clams
• Fish-based prepared foods
• Other appropriately sized aquatic foods

Food size should always be appropriate for the fish.

Important Feeding Advice

Avoid making live feeder fish a routine part of the diet. Feeder fish can introduce parasites and disease and may not provide balanced nutrition.

Avoid using mammal and poultry meat as staple foods. A balanced diet based primarily on suitable aquatic foods and high-quality formulated foods is preferable.

Never overfeed. Excess food can rapidly damage water quality, particularly in systems housing large catfish.

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Behaviour and Temperament

A Powerful Freshwater Predator

Redtail Catfish have large mouths and strong feeding responses. Any fish small enough to fit inside the mouth may eventually become prey.

As the Redtail Catfish grows, compatible tank mates become increasingly limited.

Tank Mate Considerations

Only exceptionally large and robust fish may be considered by highly experienced keepers in an appropriately enormous system.

Avoid:

• Small fish
• Medium-sized fish that may eventually fit in its mouth
• Slow-moving species
• Delicate fish
• Small catfish
• Valuable fish that could be swallowed

Compatibility is never guaranteed, and tank mates that are safe today may become prey later.

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Growth Rate

Redtail Catfish can grow rapidly, particularly during their juvenile stages.

Growth depends on:

• Genetics
• Diet
• Water quality
• Available space
• Temperature
• Overall health

Do not attempt to force faster growth through excessive feeding. Healthy growth comes from excellent water quality, sufficient space, and balanced nutrition.

A growing Redtail Catfish may need larger housing much sooner than new keepers expect.

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Creating the Ideal Redtail Catfish System

A dedicated monster fish system is essential for long-term success.

Recommended Setup Features

• Massive open floor space
• Minimal sharp décor
• Smooth substrate or bare bottom for easier maintenance
• Securely positioned large driftwood
• Powerful filtration
• High oxygen levels
• Stable water conditions
• Large, efficient water-change capacity

Heavy décor must be securely positioned because large catfish are powerful and can move objects within their enclosure.

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Why Buy Redtail Catfish from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Iconic Monster Fish for Serious Keepers

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in unique freshwater fish for hobbyists building serious monster fish collections.

Carefully Selected Aquarium Fish

Fish are selected for qualities such as:

• Healthy body condition
• Active behaviour
• Strong feeding response
• Good overall condition
• Attractive natural coloration

Canadian Monster Fish Supplier

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in monster fish, rare tropical fish, freshwater fish, aquarium plants, shrimp, crayfish, snails, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian hobbyists.

Important: Buyers are responsible for confirming all applicable federal, provincial, territorial, and local requirements regarding the purchase, possession, transport, and keeping of this species before ordering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How large is this Redtail Catfish?

This listing is for a juvenile measuring approximately 2 inches.

2. How large can a Redtail Catfish grow?

Redtail Catfish can potentially reach well over 4 feet (120 cm) under exceptional conditions and require enormous long-term housing.

3. Is a Redtail Catfish suitable for a normal home aquarium?

No, not as an adult. A juvenile can temporarily live in a large grow-out aquarium, but an adult may require a custom-built aquarium or indoor pond containing thousands of gallons.

4. What does a Redtail Catfish eat?

They can eat high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, catfish pellets, shrimp, prawns, mussels, clams, and other suitable aquatic foods.

5. Is the Redtail Catfish suitable for beginners?

No. Its enormous adult size, rapid growth, heavy bioload, predatory behaviour, and extreme long-term housing requirements make it suitable only for experienced and well-prepared keepers.