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