Last Updated on July 31, 2022 by admins
Can Redtail Catfish live in cold water? Read this article and find out if your aquarium meets all the necessary conditions for this beauty to be healthy.
Due to its impressive size as well as its characteristic catfish features, it is no wonder the red-tailed catfish is one of the most beloved aquarium species worldwide. Since it is a fairly massive freshwater fish, it is recommended that only the most experienced aquarists keep it.
One of the more common questions we hear lately is whether can Redtail Catfish live in cold water? So keep reading this article to make sure you give your new pet everything he needs for long and happy life.
Species Summary
The Redtail Catfish (phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is the last living member of the Phractocephalus genus. This bottom-dwelling fish originates from South American countries, including Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, and Bolivia.
Did you know that when living freely in the wild it can reach an incredible six feet in length and weigh up to 180 pounds? It is no wonder that the red-tailed catfish, due to its massiveness, is often treated as a game fish. On the other hand, when growing in captivity, these types of catfish usually reach about three to four feet long.
As for their juveniles, they are usually extremely small, only a few inches long, but are known for their ability to grow quickly. Furthermore, there are no special differences between males and females of this species; these are sexually dimorphic fish, meaning it’s impossible to distinguish these two sexes. In terms of life expectancy, it is on average about 15 years in captivity, but even longer in the wild.
Appearance & Behavior
As its name suggests, this species of fish has a characteristic, vibrant red tail. This species of catfish has a grayish-brown body, orange dorsal and caudal fins, as well as long whiskers on its mouth. Finally, we must not forget to mention the pale yellow band that spans across its body. Did you know that a Redtail Catfish can lose its vibrant tail color if exposed to too much stress?
In terms of behavior, this species of catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish that prefers to live alone, which actually means that it will not hesitate to attack other species of fish, especially those that are smaller. Furthermore, they also tend to show a dose of territorial aggression if there are too many fish in the aquarium tank.
After all, don’t be afraid and give up if you intended to buy them, as they are peaceful when kept with the right tank mates and in the appropriate aquarium tank conditions.
Now that you’ve finally gotten to know this beautiful species better, it’s time to answer the question that made you come here “can Redtail Catfish live in cold water”. So, let’s move on to the main part of this article.
Question Of The Day: Can Redtail Catfish Live In Cold Water?
This catfish needs stable and appropriate water parameters as with all other fish species. Truth be told, this type of catfish is considered hardy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do your best, moreover, experts recommend doing everything you can to make sure the water situation is as good as possible.
Furthermore, maintaining these optimal conditions can be quite challenging given that it is a fairly large aquarium tank, but with good organization, we believe you can do it.
So, can Redtail Catfish live in cold water? No, they can’t survive in cold water, and the reasoning is very simple. Namely, they originate from rivers, streams, and lakes of South America, which actually means that their natural habitat is never cold. Accordingly, these fish are simply not prepared for such conditions. As for the temperature itself, it is ideal when it is between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other Water Conditions
As we have already mentioned, this fish needs an enormous tank to survive and thrive in. Therefore, in addition to the temperature, you must also monitor the pH of the water. Redtail catfish requires a pH level in the range of 6.0-7.0, because only this range allows it to grow, stay healthy, and avoid illness or infection. Redtail Catfish generates a lot of waste, therefore experts recommend opting for a sump filter that, unlike a regular aquarium filter, has the ability to create a favorable water flow.
To Conclude: Can Redtail Catfish Live In Cold Water?
We hope you found this article useful!
Did you know the correct answer to the question: can Redtail Catfish live in cold water? Let us know in the section below.
Recommended: How To Save Dying Fish After A Water Change? (6 Helpful Tips!)
FAQ’s
What Temperature Can Read Tail Catfish Live In?
The ideal temperature that will allow this fish to thrive is somewhere between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Catfish Live In Cold?
Catfish prefer warmer waters. If something happens to your aquarium heater, you don’t need to panic. Catfish can survive in colder water, but not for too long.
Are Red Tail Catfish Hardy?
The answer is yes. This type of fish is quite hardy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to care about it, moreover, you have to meet all of its criteria if you want your pet to be healthy and live long.
Can Catfish Live In Ponds?
Yes, catfish can live in a pond, moreover, when in the wild it usually lives in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. If you plan to keep it at home in your own pond, the most important thing is to move it to warmer water during the cold winter days.
