Asian Red Tailed Catfish
Hemibagrus wyckioides
Also known as: Red fin bagrus
A river giant that outgrows nearly every home aquarium and knows no fear.
About
The Asian Red Tailed Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) is one of those species that really has no business being in a home aquarium, yet juveniles still occasionally turn up in the trade. Native to major river systems across Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Maeklong basins, this species inhabits large upland rivers with rocky, uneven bottoms. In the wild it hunts fish, insects, prawns, and crabs, and individuals have been documented reaching weights exceeding 80 kg. That alone should give any prospective keeper pause. Adults can exceed four feet in length and are considered among the most aggressive freshwater fish anywhere, with a well-documented willingness to attack tankmates and a notable lack of wariness around humans. Something that makes routine tank maintenance genuinely hazardous. It can live for several decades, compounding the commitment enormously. Visually, it stands out from close relatives by its distinctly red fins against a grey body, and the broad, heavily flattened head characteristic of its species group. Breeding in home aquaria has never been documented. Even if the tank space were available, the temperament of this fish makes it incompatible with virtually any tankmate. Buying a juvenile on impulse is strongly discouraged. This is a species best left to large public facilities with the infrastructure to manage it responsibly.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Asian Red Tailed Catfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Asian Red Tailed Catfish get?
- The Asian Red Tailed Catfish reaches about 24–39" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Asian Red Tailed Catfish need?
- A minimum of 450 gallons is recommended for the Asian Red Tailed Catfish.
- What water parameters does the Asian Red Tailed Catfish need?
- The Asian Red Tailed Catfish does best with a temperature of 66–84°F, a pH of 6–8, hardness around 2–20 dGH.
- Is the Asian Red Tailed Catfish aggressive?
- The Asian Red Tailed Catfish is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Asian Red Tailed Catfish eat?
- The Asian Red Tailed Catfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Asian Red Tailed Catfish live?
- With good care, the Asian Red Tailed Catfish typically lives 15-25 years.