Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Vernacular names
English : Redtail catfish
French : Poisson-chat à queue rouge

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Pimelodidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Huge catfish reaching up to 134 cm in length for a maximum weight of 44 kg. Large dorsally flattened head with long barbels. Top of head and back dark brown with black dots, sides of head and flanks cream. Bright red fins.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and south Venezuela. Lives in slow moving rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species hasn’t been assessed but it isn’t considered threatened. It has a large range and collection for the aquarium trade is manageable.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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