Albino Redtail catfish

The Albino Redtail Catfish is a stunning, rare morph of the South American Redtail Catfish, prized for its creamy white to pinkish body, striking red-orange tail, and bright red eyes. This albino variant maintains all the features of the standard Redtail Catfish but with the added appeal of its unique coloring. Native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins, this massive, bottom-dwelling predator is one of the largest and most sought-after freshwater catfish in the aquarium hobby.

🔍 Appearance:

• Coloration: Pale pink to white body due to albinism, with a vibrant red or orange tail and red/pink eyes.

• Body Shape: Thick, torpedo-shaped with a broad head and long whisker-like barbels.

• Size: Can reach up to 120 cm (4 feet) in captivity and weigh over 50 kg (110 lbs).

• Fins: Large pectoral and dorsal fins, with the tail being the most brightly colored part.

🌊 Habitat & Behavior:

• Natural Habitat: Rivers, floodplains, and tributaries of South America.

• Swimming Zone: Bottom to mid-water; prefers large, open spaces.

• Behavior:

  • Peaceful with similarly sized fish, but will eat anything smaller.

  • Territorial with other bottom dwellers if space is limited.

  • Intelligent and responsive—can recognize feeders and routines.

🍽️ Diet:

• Carnivorous:

  • Eats fish, shrimp, worms, and meat-based pellets.

  • In captivity: should be fed a balanced diet of high-protein pellets, fish fillets, and occasional treats like earthworms.

  • Prone to overeating, so feed in moderation.

🛠️ Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 1,000+ liters (265+ gallons) for juveniles; pond or public aquarium needed for adults.

• Water Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Substrate: Smooth sand or gravel to protect sensitive underbelly.

• Decor: Avoid sharp decorations; provide open swimming space.

• Filtration: Very strong filtration required due to heavy bioload.

• Lid: Secure lid or pond netting—can be startled and jump.

⚠️ Care Notes:

• Not suitable for community tanks or inexperienced hobbyists.

• Can grow very fast—requires planning and long-term commitment.

• Best housed alone or with other very large, non-aggressive fish.

• Needs regular water changes to maintain water quality.