Redtail catfish

Redtail catfish ( Phractocephalus hemioliopterus )

The redtail catfish ( Phractocephalus hemioliopterus ) is up to 1.30 meters high representatives of the catfish ( Pimelodidae ). They are the only species of the genus Phractocephalus.

Occurrence

The redtail catfish (English Redtail Catfish, Catfish Banana, port. Pirarara, Spanish Cajaro, guacamayo bagre, Pejije Torre or Torre Pez ) is mainly used in large deep river regions of the Amazon basin in Colombia, Brazil, the Marañón in Peru and Rio Madeira ago in Bolivia. In addition, in the river system of the Orinoco River in Venezuela, in lowland rivers of Ecuador and Essequibo in Guyana. In 1979 he was part imported from Brazil and Venezuela in the U.S., but where he could not prevail.

Evolution and Genetics

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus is the only extant species of the genus Phractocephalus. In 2003, the extinct species P. nassi was discovered in the Urumaco Formation in Venezuela. She lived 13 million years ago in the Miocene. In the Brazilian state of Acre another extinct species has been discovered which was not described in more detail below.

Morphology

Typical of the catfish are its long barbels and its red tail fin.

Way of life

The redtail catfish tolerate water temperatures 24-29 ° C and a pH of 5 to 9 Phractocephalus hemioliopterus is adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle. From about 80 cm body length of the catfish spawning mature and spawns at a certain period of the year. In Río Mamoré / Bolivia, for example, the months of January to February spawning period. The catfish feed on prey on crabs, shrimp and small fish, but also disdain in the water not fallen fruit.

Use

Redtail catfish are local food fish, although they are despised by many locals due to its blackish colored flesh. Fish breeders try by hybridization with the tiger Patel catfish ( Pseudoplatystoma ssp. ) To improve meat quality and to develop a demand for broad population groups. Due to their high weights up to 50 kilograms, they are popular sport fish and are held in smaller sizes as well as ornamental fish in the aquarium. Redtail catfish are impressive animals for large public aquariums. They were previously only individually held as roommates without conspecifics, but with other large fish.