Redtail Catfish Help Requested (Picking Your Redtail)

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Mr. Ritter

Mr. Ritter

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 27, 2012
19
2
3
Oregon (United States)
Hello, I am very interested in purchasing a South American Redtail Catfish in the future, when I have settled down and am ready for the challenge. Before anyone points out, yes I am both new here and I do know what I am getting by purchasing a Redtail. The South American Redtail Catfish is a large predatory catfish, reaching sizes of around 5ft once fully grown, and requiring a tank size of over 2000 gallons all to themselves. Redtails need water between 74-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they have a large diet.
This is not the reason I came here for help.....I came here looking for help on the questions that only real owners can answer. So my question happens to deal with the selecting of new and very young Redtail Catfish, if you are looking for a specific appearance. I have been doing a lot of studying on these magnificent fish, and I have noticed that, unlike most other catfish, koi, and most other fish, Redtailed Catfish do seem to have unique facial appearance. Koi will change color and pattern when bred, but their faces do not change, the structure remains the same.....but for Redtailed Catfish, the faces seem to all bee rather unique. True there is one face that is the most common (and the most desired), but there are many other appearances Redtails take. I need to learn how to spot a good looking Redtailed Catfish when it is still young (under 8 inches).


Now, the pictures will follow, but I will need to inform anyone interested in helping me, on how to help. I really need to know how these fish age, so truthfully I could use some pictures of these amazing catfish aging, from small fry to giant. If you have any tips, I will gladly read. Thank you for anyone who can help, and thanks to anyone who actually read my message, it is long, and probably boring.

Here are some links to what I believe are good looking catfish:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_irving/3748890305/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/goldstern82/7514078466/lightbox/

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=gian...=163&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0,i:100

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...146&tbnw=204&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:18,i:28

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...=175&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:102

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...173&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0,i:130

And a video of a great looking catfish (this fish is perfect, still a little young though):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhOEcPgDHPA



But when there is good, there is also BAD (problems are listed above the link):

Problem: Very wrinkled and crushed face, severe under-bite
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...&tbnw=167&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:139,i:204

Problem: Face slopes downward far too fast
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...0&tbnw=165&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:283,i:44

Problem: Face is too flat, mouth is too low
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...0&tbnw=165&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:283,i:44

Problem: Upper jaw (snout) is far too long, and the fish has a severe overbite
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...84266371718166&page=1&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:54

Problem: Actually, this one's face is fine, the body is a bit too long, but otherwise not bad
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...36&tbnw=177&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:84,i:44



NOTE:
Most Redtail Catfish are indeed good looking fish, I just do not want to get a bad looking one. Reason is that this fish is not going to be just something pretty to look at, its going to be our family pet. Like a dog, only that it is a catfish. The fish will be given a monstrous tank, over 9,000 gallons, at over 25ft long 5ft deep and around 15ft wide.....the tank will require immense filtration systems, and great care, but it will all belong to this one catfish.
P.S.
I am still studying these fish, and probably will not be ready to buy for a few years.
 
most the undesirable traits are due to poor husbandry/ health. genetic ones can usually be seen as young fish.
 
Welcome to the forum!

If there was a competition for the most prepared future RTC owner and the most dedicated one (potentially atm), you'd probably win it :)

IMO, the vast majority of "problems" you are seeing/pointing out are due to the glass and water distortions and well as camera optics and camera angles. What you call an overbite is indeed unusual but probably is either genetic or a consequence of a broken upper jaw when young. RTCs usually have an underbite.

MonsterMinis put it quite well. If the fish looks good at 2", it will be fine, barring accidents, at 4'.
 
Most messed up rtc's you find is from water quality issues and small tanks. If you order one just make sure to go to a reliable source so that you dont get sent a deformed one. Im so glad to see you doing research before buying one of theses great fish. With the size tank you have planned youll have no issues and a verry happy rtc.:)

Sent from my SCH-I500 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Thanks guys, so you think that a Redtail's adult facial features should be obvious when it is at about 6 inches? So, if I wanted a Redtailed Catfish that looked like this:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/854996623_f71a8a02df.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/redtailcatfish/interesting/&usg=__pSqzAP5RO7LkfJm_0mtRVs0vrs8=&h=333&w=500&sz=100&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=uHrUr3e0chFocM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=181&ei=D18-ULqnDaf7iwLUWw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dredtail%2Bcatfish%26tbnh%3D136%26tbnw%3D176%26num%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1TSNO_enUS488US488%26addh%3D104%26sig%3D103184284266371718166%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D624%26tbs%3Dsimg:CAESEgnzMPK3zhQOkyE8aZ4AU00iuA%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=306&vpy=190&dur=87&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=200&ty=109&sig=103184284266371718166&page=1&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:83

I should be looking for a baby with just a slight overbite, like this one here:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...w=180&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:80


I also have another question, and it deals with gender. Redtails are nearly impossible to gender by appearance, and very few people on the planet can successfully breed them. In most fish species the females are the largest and roundest, and this is rather the look I desire in a fish, so a precaution, I wish to buy a female. There is only one major problem (excluding the equipment for an ultrasound etc.) is that most Redtails are sold as triploids, by screwing with the eggs at birth yielding the result of a gender-less or sterile fish. I rather wish to name my fish, and I want it's name to be accurate (Eleanor for a girl, Boris or something for a boy, sadly naming might not be up to me). So where would you turn if you wanted a 'real' catfish? Does anyone know of anyone who does Redtailed Catfish breeding that might be willing to allow contact, because I have been looking for breeders quite some time now, and still found none. Thanks again everybody, it is awesome how fast you guys replied.
 
Thanks guys, so you think that a Redtail's adult facial features should be obvious when it is at about 6 inches? So, if I wanted a Redtailed Catfish that looked like this:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/854996623_f71a8a02df.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/redtailcatfish/interesting/&usg=__pSqzAP5RO7LkfJm_0mtRVs0vrs8=&h=333&w=500&sz=100&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=uHrUr3e0chFocM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=181&ei=D18-ULqnDaf7iwLUWw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dredtail%2Bcatfish%26tbnh%3D136%26tbnw%3D176%26num%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1TSNO_enUS488US488%26addh%3D104%26sig%3D103184284266371718166%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D624%26tbs%3Dsimg:CAESEgnzMPK3zhQOkyE8aZ4AU00iuA%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=306&vpy=190&dur=87&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=200&ty=109&sig=103184284266371718166&page=1&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:83

I should be looking for a baby with just a slight overbite, like this one here:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...w=180&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:80


I also have another question, and it deals with gender. Redtails are nearly impossible to gender by appearance, and very few people on the planet can successfully breed them. In most fish species the females are the largest and roundest, and this is rather the look I desire in a fish, so a precaution, I wish to buy a female. There is only one major problem (excluding the equipment for an ultrasound etc.) is that most Redtails are sold as triploids, by screwing with the eggs at birth yielding the result of a gender-less or sterile fish. I rather wish to name my fish, and I want it's name to be accurate (Eleanor for a girl, Boris or something for a boy, sadly naming might not be up to me). So where would you turn if you wanted a 'real' catfish? Does anyone know of anyone who does Redtailed Catfish breeding that might be willing to allow contact, because I have been looking for breeders quite some time now, and still found none. Thanks again everybody, it is awesome how fast you guys replied.
 
Mr. Ritter said:
There is only one major problem (excluding the equipment for an ultrasound etc.) is that most Redtails are sold as triploids, by screwing with the eggs at birth yielding the result of a gender-less or sterile fish.
Click to expand...

I am not aware of this, at least in the USA. Can you please refer us to the origin of this info?

I know this is done for potentially invasive but useful fish, i.e., fish that can be used in the outside bodies of water, like grass carp for weed control. RTCs are only used in the ornamental fish trade. ATM, I don't think this is ever done for any ornamental fishes.

In addition, one must obtain a permit before being able to even buy a grass carp.
 
thebiggerthebetter said:
I am not aware of this, at least in the USA. Can you please refer us to the origin of this info?

I know this is done for potentially invasive but useful fish, i.e., fish that can be used in the outside bodies of water, like grass carp for weed control. RTCs are only used in the ornamental fish trade. ATM, I don't think this is ever done for any ornamental fishes.

In addition, one must obtain a permit before being able to even buy a grass carp.
Click to expand...


The place where I got this information was in Thailand, a small fishing resort known as Gilhams Fishing resort. The people there are very nice, and were some of the few people I found to contact on Redtails. The owner made it sound as if most Redtailed Catfish are sold as triploids.....so you think things are different for these fish here in the United States? Because like your user name suggests, I do prefer my Redtail to be bigger and better.
What about the pictures, does that look to be about an accurate growth for a Redtailed Catfish? And does anyone know of a few places that you can buy Redtail Catfish (not online order, but check them out in person), or of any companies that do breed these giant fish?

Thanks again guys.
 
Well first I am going to say PLEASE POST PICS AND VIDEOS WHEN YOU START THIS!! Lol,you can go to most LFS and see them there, if not look for an exotic aquatic store or maybe an aquarium may have some? I know of 3 LFS that carry them on hand at all times. Ranging from 3"-10". Of course the bigger ones are on trade ins or they have connections. Good luck! I'm glad to see another MFK also in tune to every characteristic of the species! Also watch for gill curl or fin curls! Sometimes they can grow out of gill curl! I bought mine at 4-5" and he has it on one side, and 6 months later after having almost perfect water and all that is nessicary he's now 15" and has completely grown out of his curl!


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Oh, sorry Hansonc.......the pictures and video were attached to my previous message, which was replied to by thebiggerthebetter. The message you replied to was a reply to that reply.....I am not losing anyone yet am I, I am not trying to. Here, I will give you the video and some pics of the type look I would like to see in a Redtail I will purchase.
Here is a video of a great looking RTC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhOEcPgDHPA

This is a good pic of the face:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/854996623_f71a8a02df.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/redtailcatfish/interesting/&usg=__pSqzAP5RO7LkfJm_0mtRVs0vrs8=&h=333&w=500&sz=100&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=uHrUr3e0chFocM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=181&ei=D18-ULqnDaf7iwLUWw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dredtail%2Bcatfish%26tbnh%3D136%26tbnw%3D176%26num%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1TSNO_enUS488US488%26addh%3D104%26sig%3D103184284266371718166%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D624%26tbs%3Dsimg:CAESEgnzMPK3zhQOkyE8aZ4AU00iuA%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=306&vpy=190&dur=87&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=200&ty=109&sig=103184284266371718166&page=1&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:83

Here is the baby that I suspect, based upon what I have been told, might age up to becoming this:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=redt...w=180&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:80



And here is rather the end result I am looking for:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=gian...3&start=61&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:61,i:317


I feel that all of these fish may actually be possible appearances for the aging structure of this type of RTC face structure, but this is more of a hope than a guaranteed fact.

Question: What did your RTC look like when you bought him/her (you did not say), and what does he/she now?
P.S. Sorry for the confusion.
 
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