Platinum Redtail Catfish - (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)

🐟 Platinum Redtail Catfish – (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) – Rare Color Morph of a South American Giant for Sale

The Platinum Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a stunning and rare color morph of the famous Redtail Catfish, native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River Basins of South America. While the standard Redtail is known for its dark body and vivid red tail, the platinum morph features a brilliant white to metallic silver body contrasted by its signature bright red tail, making it a true showpiece in any monster fish collection.

Fast-growing and capable of reaching massive sizes, this apex predator requires extremely large aquariums or indoor ponds with powerful filtration and careful tankmate selection.

🔎 Quick Facts – Platinum Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

• 📛 Common Name: Platinum Redtail Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
• 🌍 Origin: South America – Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo River Basins
• 🎨 Appearance: Platinum-white body with bright red tail and white whisker-like barbels
• 📏 Max Size: 3–4 feet (90–120 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Extremely rare; usually captive-bred from selective morph breeding

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory – will swallow fish and invertebrates small enough to fit in its mouth
• 🐟 Best kept alone or with other very large, non-aggressive tankmates
• 🌊 Active bottom-to-midwater swimmer
• 🧠 Intelligent and can recognize feeding times and its keeper

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 1,000+ gallons (indoor pond or massive aquarium)
• 🌿 Smooth-bottom or fine sand substrate to prevent injury
• 🪵 Provide shaded resting areas and open swimming space
• 💡 Moderate lighting to highlight platinum sheen
• 🌊 Heavy-duty filtration and frequent large water changes

💧 Water Parameters – Platinum Redtail Catfish Care

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

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Apex Predator

• 🐟 Whole fish (fresh or frozen, quarantined for safety)
• 🦐 Shrimp, prawns, squid
• 🪱 Large worms and other meaty foods
• ⚠️ Avoid fatty feeder fish to prevent health issues

📋 Platinum Redtail Catfish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Platinum Redtail Catfish is a rare and visually stunning morph of one of the most iconic monster fish in the world, combining the size and power of the Redtail with a brilliant platinum-white body for maximum impact in large displays.