Phantom Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)

🐟 Phantom Redtail Catfish – (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) – Freshwater Monster Fish for Sale

The Phantom Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a large, powerful, and striking freshwater predator from South America, known for its bold colors and impressive size. A variant of the well-known Redtail Catfish, the “Phantom” form is prized for its unique, darker body tones and vivid red-orange tail, making it stand out in monster fish collections.

This species is fast-growing and can quickly reach massive proportions, requiring a very large aquarium or indoor pond. It is best suited for experienced aquarists with the space, filtration capacity, and knowledge to handle such a demanding fish.

🔎 Quick Facts – Phantom Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

• 📛 Common Name: Phantom Redtail Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River Basins (South America)
• 🎨 Appearance: Darker “phantom” body coloration with a vivid red tail and white belly
• 📏 Max Size: 3–4 feet (90–120 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Rare variant; wild-caught and occasionally farmed

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory – will eat any fish or invertebrate small enough to fit in its mouth
• 🐟 Generally solitary but may be housed with other large, non-aggressive monster fish
• 🌊 Extremely active swimmer; requires open space
• 🧠 Can recognize its keeper and become hand-fed over time

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 1,000+ gallons or large indoor pond
• 🌿 Fine sand or smooth-bottom substrate to prevent injury
• 🪵 Provide large driftwood or rock structures for shade and resting
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Powerful filtration and frequent large water changes required

💧 Water Parameters – Phantom Redtail Catfish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Predator

• 🐟 Whole fish, shrimp, squid, mussels
• 🪱 Earthworms and other large live or frozen foods
• 🌾 Can be trained to eat high-quality carnivore pellets
• 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
  • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
  • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
• 🐟 By purchasing through these links, you not only provide your fish with top-quality nutrition but also help support our mission to bring hobbyists the best in fish care. ✨ Click the links above to shop now and give your fish the nutrition they deserve! We earn a small commission for each sale.

📋 Phantom Redtail Catfish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Phantom Redtail Catfish is a rare and visually stunning variant of a classic monster fish, combining the iconic red tail with a darker, more dramatic body—perfect for serious large predator enthusiasts.