Redtail Catfish

Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus), also known as Flat-nosed Catfish, is a large and very popular game fish found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins of South America that lives only in freshwater habitats, particularly large rivers, lakes and streams. It is the only known species of the genus Phractocephalus, that dates back to over 13.5 million years. Redtail Catfish are easily distinguished by their long barbels and colorful bodies that are brownish with black spots on the back, yellow on the sides and a red-orange dorsal fin. These large fish can reach up to 2 m in length and about 80 kg in weight. Redtail Catfish are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, but the majority of their diet consists of other fish, shrimp, crayfish and worms.