Asian Red Tailed Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides)

Family: Bagridae

Asian Red Tailed Catfish — a Bagridae freshwater fish. Reaches 97.5–143 cm; keep at 16–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
16–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
97.5–143 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Predatory toward small tankmates

Species overview

A Bagridae species: Hemibagrus wyckioides lives bottom-dwelling over sand and mud. Predatory toward small tankmates. Adults reach 97.5–143 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hemibagrus species we profile, alongside Hemibagrus guttatus, Hemibagrus macropterus, Hemibagrus nemurus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Large rivers over sand and mud
Flow
Moderate current
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen appreciated

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Large caves and driftwood
Plants
Not essential

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Singles or small groups in large tanks
Diet
Carnivore; meaty sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females plumper
Breeding method
Rare in captivity

Frequently asked questions

Is Asian Red Tailed Catfish easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Predatory toward small tankmates; singles or small groups in large tanks.

What temperature and water chemistry does Asian Red Tailed Catfish need?

Hold 16–25 °C and keep it stable — 16.0–25.0 °C typical for the genus. Stable temperate range.

How big does Asian Red Tailed Catfish get, and what tank size?

Expect 97.5–143 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Asian Red Tailed Catfish eat?

Carnivore; meaty sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Asian Red Tailed Catfish live with other fish?

Predatory toward small tankmates; singles or small groups in large tanks. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Asian Red Tailed Catfish come from?

It lives in large rivers over sand and mud. Moderate current; High oxygen appreciated.

How does Asian Red Tailed Catfish breed?

In the aquarium: rare in captivity. Females plumper.