{"product_id":"red-tail-catfish-phractocephalus-hemioliopterus-5cm","title":"Red Tail Catfish Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus 5cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Tail Catfish is a large, freshwater fish known for its striking appearance, featuring a dark gray body, white underside, and a vibrant red tail. Native to South America, it is a highly sought-after species in the aquarium trade but requires extensive care due to its massive size and rapid growth. It is best suited for advanced aquarists with large tanks or indoor ponds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative to:\u003c\/strong\u003e Amazon Basin, Orinoco River, and other large river systems in South America.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and flooded areas with sandy or muddy substrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fish fillets, shrimp, prawns, earthworms, mussels, and sinking carnivore pellets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Voracious eaters; should be fed 2–3 times per week to prevent obesity. Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce diseases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest with:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, robust fish that can tolerate their presence, such as Arowanas, Peacock Bass, Pacu, and Giant Gouramis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small fish and invertebrates, as they will be seen as food.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful but will eat anything that fits in its mouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be aggressive toward similarly sized or smaller bottom-dwelling fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires an extremely large aquarium, powerful filtration, and careful monitoring of water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–15 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMinimum 1,000 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e for long-term care (juveniles can start in 200 gallons but outgrow it quickly).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Tail Catfish are often purchased as juveniles without considering their immense adult size, leading to frequent cases of rehoming. They require a dedicated and experienced aquarist with the ability to provide a massive tank or indoor pond. Proper care ensures they can live up to \u003cstrong\u003e20 years\u003c\/strong\u003e in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56392126890363,"sku":"STF-RED-TAIL-CAT","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/6387\/6487\/files\/Red_Tail_Catfish_Phractocephalus_Hemioliopterus.png?v=1787836498","url":"https:\/\/charterhouse-aquatics.com\/products\/red-tail-catfish-phractocephalus-hemioliopterus-5cm","provider":"Charterhouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}