Description
Hybrid Catfish
(Redtail Catfish × Tiger Shovelnose Catfish)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Hybrid (RTC × TSN)
Common Name: Hybrid Catfish / RTC × TSN
Size: ~3 – 4 feet (90 – 120 cm)
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years (with good care)
Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (very active, powerful swimmer)
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 150 – 300 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 24°C – 29°C (75°F – 84°F)
Water Type: Freshwater
Hardness: GH 5–12, KH 3–6
🐟 Characteristics
Hybrid of Redtail Catfish (RTC) and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (TSN).
Has red/orange tail (RTC trait) with striped/shovelnose patterns (TSN trait).
Extremely fast, powerful, and aggressive eater.
Needs very large aquariums or ponds (minimum 1,000+ liters).
Can outgrow most home tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Carnivorous predator
Diet: Fish fillets, prawns, earthworms, pellets, shrimp, mussels, small fish (avoid feeder goldfish – unsafe).
Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week (young ones daily in small amounts).
🛠️ Maintenance
Weekly water changes: 30–40% (very messy eater).
Needs strong filtration (can produce heavy waste).
Large tank/pond with hiding areas and open swimming space.
Use tight lids (can jump).
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best kept single (aggressive, territorial).
Tank Mates: Other monster fish only – arowana, peacock bass, large gars, big stingrays.
Avoid: Small fish, shrimps, or delicate tankmates → will be eaten.
✅ Do’s
Keep in very large tanks or ponds.
Provide strong filtration.
Feed a varied protein-rich diet.
Handle carefully – they are very strong and can injure themselves.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep in small tanks (will outgrow fast).
Don’t keep with small/medium fish → they become food.
Don’t overfeed (causes fatty liver and water pollution).
Don’t keep without a secure tank lid.
⭐ Quick Tips
One of the most popular monster hybrid catfish.
Grows extremely large, not beginner-friendly.
Ideal for public aquariums or monster ponds.
A true showpiece fish but requires serious commitment
