Overview
The pirarara or redtail catfish is one of the most colorful of the large catfishes found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The pirarara is a very distinctive species. The brownish back, yellow sides and red-orange dorsal and caudal fins make this catfish very recognizable. Three pairs of barbels are present, one pair on the upper and two pairs on the lower jaw.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Pimelodidae
- Genus
- Phractocephalus
- Species
- hemioliopterus
Habitat
In its natural habitat, the redtail catfish is found in larger rivers, streams and lakes. During high water, it ventures into the flooded forests.
Diet
The redtail catfish is omnivorous in its feeding habits with a diet that can include fish, crabs and fruits.
Behavior
Redtail catfish are mostly nocturnal, actively hunting in rivers and flooded areas at night. They are solitary and territorial, particularly in defended feeding zones, and use their barbels to detect prey in murky waters. They exhibit ambush predation, lying in wait for fish, crustaceans, or fruits.
Fishing
The redfish catfish are considered to be one of the best fighting catfishes. When hooked, these catfish give angler. a strong and unyielding fight. runs. Pirarara are most often caught with natural baits and often pose more of a challenge to anglers using artificial lures and flies. It is used as a food fish throughout its range and is said to be excellent, if somewhat dark meat.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.