Full Grown Red Tail Catfish: Size, Appearance, Price & More
Red tail catfish are one of the most popular catfish species kept by aquarists. However, many people don't fully realize just how big these fish can get when fully grown.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about red tail catfish at their full adult size, including their dimensions, behaviors, care requirements, costs and more.
Size at Full Grown
At full maturity, red tail catfish can reach up to 24 inches in length. However, 18-20 inches is more typical for fish kept in home aquariums.
They also get quite thick-bodied, with some specimens weighing over 5 pounds.
So these are definitely not a fish for small aquariums. Their massive size is one of the main surprises many aquarists encounter with red tails.
Weight at Full Grown
In terms of weight, most fully grown red tail catfish range from 3-5 pounds. However, larger specimens over 20 inches have been documented weighing up to 7 pounds.
Females also tend to be larger than males. So you'll need a very sturdy aquarium that can support this kind of weight, especially if you have multiple large catfish.
Appearance at Full Grown
Visually, fully grown red tails have an unmistakable appearance. Their bodies are a solid steel blue or gray color with very obvious reddish-orange tail and dorsal fins.
These brightly colored tails remain vivid even in large, mature fish. They also develop whisker-like barbels around their mouths.
Overall, their stocky frames and dramatic coloring make them a truly impressive sight when seen in a large aquarium.
Personality at Full Grown
In terms of temperament, adult red tail catfish tend to become more docile and sedentary compared to their energetic juvenile phases. They spend much of their time resting on the bottom substrate.
However, they still have voracious appetites and will actively take food from your hands.
Some reports indicate they may become slightly more territorial with age as well.
Price
Because of their massive adult sizes, fully grown red tail catfish command high prices. Expect to pay $50-100 each for catfish over 12 inches from specialty retailers. Prime XL specimens 16"+ can sometimes fetch $200-300 each.
So these are not cheap pets by any means when considering their full adult form. The initial investment is only part of their long-term costs too, as we'll discuss.
Food/Feeding
At maturity, red tails have ferocious eating habits to support their large bodies. In the wild, they're opportunistic bottom feeders that consume insects, crustaceans, small fish, algae and more. In aquariums, fully grown specimens need at least 1-2 cups of high-protein catfish or omnivore feed daily.
This could amount to $30-50 per month in food costs alone for a single large red tail. You'll also need to supplement with fresh or frozen foods to keep them healthy.
Lifespan
When cared for properly in large aquariums, red tail catfish have impressive lifespans up to 15-20 years. So this is a long commitment you're making if keeping them into adulthood.
You need to consider whether you'll be able to care for them over nearly two decades as they transition into senior status.
Their advanced age also means increased risks from water quality issues or other health problems as well.
Health at Full Grown
Here are some common health issues to monitor in fully grown red tails:
- Constipation: More likely due to their sedentary lifestyles. Help prevent with fiber-rich foods.
- Swim bladder issues: Can impact mobility. Carefully monitor water parameters.
- Internal parasites: Despite hardiness, large fish carry higher parasite risks. Consider fecal checks.
- Bacterial infections: Maintain pristine hygiene as wounds take longer to heal in big fish.
- Old age diseases: Take senior catfish to an experienced fish vet for health issues in later life.
Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Grown
Big red tails need:
Costing
Keeping red tail catfish into adulthood requires serious long-term expenses:
- Aquarium/stand: $1000+ for a properly sized tank
- Filtration: Canister filters $500 each for large setups
- Lighting: T5/LED fixtures $300+
- Heating: Large aquarium heaters $100+
- Maintenance: Substrate, decor, chemicals. Budget $50/month minimum.
- Plus food costs already discussed.
- Yearly vet costs.
So be prepared to invest thousands over the lifetime of your fish!
Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown Red Tail Catfish
- May become more lethargic and less active compared to juvenile stage
- Can exhibit more territorial behaviors towards other fish in the aquarium
- Will be very food-motivated and take food aggressively from your hands
- Potential for bulling/harassment of smaller tankmates
- May display spawning coloration (reddish body) in spring/summer if conditions are ideal
Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Red Tail Catfish
Some distinguishing traits of mature adult red tails include:
- Large body size up to 24 inches long and over 5 lbs in weight
- Distinctively colored red/orange tail and dorsal fins even in old age
- Bulky thick-set frame and body proportions
- Well-developed barbels/whiskers around the mouth
- Pronounced flank markings along the sides
- voracious eating habits to fuel their size
- Impressive hardiness and disease resistance
- Potentially long lifespans up to 15+ years
Final Thoughts
Red tail catfish make engaging pets, but their full adult form is a major commitment not to be taken lightly. Their massive sizes, territorial behaviors, medical costs and other care factors mean these are definitely not beginner fish.
Do thorough research before purchasing juvenile reds to be sure you can properly house and care for them through maturity and old age.
With the right setup though, fully grown specimens offer many years of enjoyment for dedicated fishkeepers.
Chef Nora Benson
Nora Benson, a four-time IACP award-winning chef, is a respected voice in modern American cooking. She’s the author of seven bestsellers, a frequent guest on The Food Network, and featured in The New York Times and Cooking Light.
