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Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)

Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)

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Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)
Fish Details, Description and Information Below:

🐟 Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish – (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

The Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish is a striking color variant of the iconic Redtail Catfish, known for its deep black body accented by pale to white “panda-like” markings. Native to the Amazon and its tributaries, this impressive species can grow to massive sizes and requires specialized care, making it suitable only for very large aquariums or ponds.


🌊 Tank Setup

  • 🏞️ Minimum 1,000+ gallon tank or indoor pond for adults
  • 🪵 Large driftwood, smooth rocks, and wide open swimming areas
  • 💧 Strong filtration system—these fish are heavy waste producers
  • 🛑 Secure lids—powerful swimmers can jump or push out of tanks

🍽️ Diet

  • 🍤 Carnivorous predator
  • 🥩 Diet includes fish, shrimp, worms, and high-quality meaty pellets
  • 🚫 Avoid feeding live feeder fish to prevent disease and aggression issues
  • 📏 Feed smaller, more frequent meals when young; larger, less frequent meals when mature

⚖️ Temperament

  • ⚔️ Predatory—will eat any tankmate that fits in its mouth
  • 🐟 Best kept alone or with other large, robust fish in massive systems
  • 🛑 Not suitable for community tanks

🧠 Behavior & Care

  • 🌊 Powerful swimmer and bottom cruiser, but also roams the mid-water column
  • 🧼 Requires pristine, highly oxygenated water for long-term health
  • ⏳ Can live 20+ years with proper care
  • ⚠️ Rapid growth rate—small juveniles quickly outgrow standard aquariums

📋 At a Glance

🔖 Scientific Name Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
🐠 Common Name Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish
🌎 Origin Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River Basins
📏 Size Up to 4.5 feet (137 cm)
🌡️ Temperature 72–82°F (22–28°C)
💧 pH Range 6.0–7.5
🐟 Temperament Predatory
🏠 Tank Size 1,000+ gallons / large pond
🍽️ Diet Carnivore
🎯 Experience Level Expert / Advanced

💡 A stunning and rare morph of the Redtail Catfish, the Melanistic Black Panda variety offers an unforgettable visual presence—but demands massive space and serious dedication.

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