Asian redtail catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Asian red-tailed catfish, Asian redfin catfish, Common baung, Pla kayeng thong
Family
Bagridae (bagrid catfishes)
Origin
Mekong basin, and the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong systems of Thailand (type locality Cambodia).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
130 cm
Temperature
19–29°C
pH
6–7.6
Hardness
Soft preferred, but adaptable
Minimum tank
3000 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
aggressive

Care

A huge, predatory bagrid with a flattened, rough head and a bright red tail. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of about 130 cm standard length, and it is the largest bagrid of central Indochina. Small juveniles are sometimes sold, but very few people can house an adult. No source gives an exact tank size, only that it needs a very large tank; we suggest at least 3,000 litres for an adult (an estimate), or a suitable indoor pond. Provide large caves made from driftwood and rocks, a good current, and powerful filtration with frequent large water changes. Protect heaters and pipework behind barriers, as it is strong and boisterous. Keep at about 19–29 °C and pH 6.0–7.6; soft, neutral water is preferred but it is very adaptable. Males have a genital papilla just in front of the anal fin. Handle with care: the fin spines can cause painful wounds. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=19). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A carnivore that will eat almost anything. Feed large sinking pellets, fish fillet, prawns, mussels and similar foods. Once it passes about 30 cm, feed every two to four days rather than daily.

Breeding

Not bred in aquariums. In the wild it does not migrate to spawn but breeds locally, moving into flooded forest during the wet season (July–October).

Compatibility and tank mates

Aggressive and not compatible with other fish. Even large tankmates may be attacked or eaten. Best kept alone.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
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