Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

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Red Tail catfish (Phractocephalus hemiolioptreus) are stocked in many fishing lakes around Thailand if using fish baits then you can expect a run from a red Tail.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Siluroformes
  • Family: Pimelodidae
  • Genus: Phractocephalus
  • Species: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Common name: Red Tail catfish, Pirarara, Cajaro Thai name: Plah Redtail Amizon (ปลากดหางแดง, ปลากดแดงอะเมซอน) Thailand status: Introduced Max size: 40kg (88.2lb) Diet: Carnivorous Habitat: Fresh water

As the name suggests the Redtail catfish has a very distinctive bright red/orange caudal fin. It has long whiskers which are highly sensitive and efective for locating and zeroing prey items. It originates from the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basin's in South America. Redtail catfish can grow very large to over 40kg (88.2lb) and more than 1.2m (3.9ft) in length. They are active predators and will take fish, meats, insects, flies and lures. Stocked in many lakes in Thailand the Redtail is a very popular sport fish and very strong fighter.