Home/Store/Fish Out of Stock
Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)

Melanistic Black Panda Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)

$350.00
Sold out
Price of shipping is not included.
Size
Sold out
Save this fish to my favorites.
Customer reviews
Reviews only from verified customers
No reviews yet. You can buy this product and be the first to leave a review.
Share this product with your friends
ShareSharePin it
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.

Show More
Below are fish you may also like.
Wild Caught
LDA049 Yellowdotted Halffin Pleco - (Lasiancistrus sp.)
LDA049 Yellowdotted Halffin Pleco - (Lasiancistrus sp.)
LDA049 Yellowdotted Halffin Pleco - (Lasiancistrus sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$40.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L027 Thunder Royal Pleco - (Panaque cf. armbrusteri)
L027 Thunder Royal Pleco - (Panaque cf. armbrusteri)
L027 Thunder Royal Pleco - (Panaque cf. armbrusteri)
Price of shipping is not included.
$300.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Niobichthys ferrarisi
Niobichthys ferrarisi
Niobichthys ferrarisi
Price of shipping is not included.
$30.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L382 Painted Gurupi Pleco - (Peckoltia sp.)
L382 Painted Gurupi Pleco - (Peckoltia sp.)
L382 Painted Gurupi Pleco - (Peckoltia sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$45.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L252 Jar Jar Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L252 Jar Jar Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L252 Jar Jar Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$35.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L461 Bolivian Wart Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L461 Bolivian Wart Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L461 Bolivian Wart Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$45.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L103 Orinoco Tiger Pleco - (Peckoltia sp.)
L103 Orinoco Tiger Pleco - (Peckoltia sp.)
L103 Orinoco Tiger Pleco - (Peckoltia sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$45.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Flatwhiskered Catfish - (Pinirampus pirinampu)
Flatwhiskered Catfish - (Pinirampus pirinampu)
Flatwhiskered Catfish - (Pinirampus pirinampu)
Price of shipping is not included.
$350.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Black Shark - (Labeo chrysophekadion)
Black Shark - (Labeo chrysophekadion)
Black Shark - (Labeo chrysophekadion)
Price of shipping is not included.
was $150.00
Save 20%
$120.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L197 Non Spot Pleco - (Spectracanthicus cf. immaculatus)
L197 Non Spot Pleco - (Spectracanthicus cf. immaculatus)
L197 Non Spot Pleco - (Spectracanthicus cf. immaculatus)
Price of shipping is not included.
$40.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L189 Banded Pancake Pleco - (Pseudolithoxus kelsorum)
L189 Banded Pancake Pleco - (Pseudolithoxus kelsorum)
L189 Banded Pancake Pleco - (Pseudolithoxus kelsorum)
Price of shipping is not included.
$50.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L462 Spiny Wart Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L462 Spiny Wart Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L462 Spiny Wart Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$45.00
Out of stock
  • Search for Fish
  • My Account
  • Track Orders
  • Favorite Fish.
  • Fish Shopping Bag
Powered by Lightspeed
Display prices in:USD
Skip to main content
ENES
Menu
Home
Shop For Fish
DOA Policy/Live Arrival Guarantee
Terms & Conditions/FAQ
Shipping & Payments
About Us
Contact Us
© Jasons Plecos & Cichlids LLC 2017-2025
Language:
ENES
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyShipping & Payment InfoReturn PolicyQuarantine Your FishReport abuse
Powered by Lightspeed