Also known as
- Redtail US
- Pirarara BR
- Cajaro VE
- Red-Tailed Catfish US
Identification
A massive powerfully built freshwater apex predator with a thick torpedo-shaped build engineered for sustained pulling power in heavy current. Delivers relentless line-peeling runs that test even the heaviest tackle. Females grow larger than males.
- Dark brownish-black back and yellow flanks fading to a white underside
- Bright orange-red dorsal fin and tail — the signature marking of this species
- Broadly flattened head with long sensory barbels on both upper and lower jaws
- Smooth scaleless skin
Where it holds
- Rivers
- Lakes
Behaviour
Apex predator and opportunistic scavenger that gulps prey whole — strikes are explosive and committed. Primarily nocturnal but readily sight-cast in clear lagoons by day. Rests in deep holes, rock outcroppings, beneath waterfalls, and near submerged timber, ranging from 1.5m lagoon shallows to 45m+ river holes. Takes fish, crustaceans, and carrion readily, and eats fallen fruits during the high-water season. Moves seasonally — main channels in low water, flooded lagoons in high water.
Diet: Piranha, Characins, Small Catfish, Freshwater Prawns, Fallen Fruits, Carrion
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Soak a whole piranha, trahira head, or large cut fish on a 7/0 circle hook with 90-120g of weight at the edge of current lines in deep holes (30m+). Target rock outcroppings and structure beneath waterfalls. Fish gulp the bait and take off — hooksets are decisive. Heavy braid and wire leader are mandatory.
Live Lining
Free-swim a live piranha or small baitfish near structure and sight-visible fish in clear lagoons. These are among the most sight-castable large catfish. Expect explosive strikes followed by line-peeling runs toward cover — lock up the drag immediately and lean hard.
Trolling
Slow-troll large deep-diving plugs within 1m of the bottom in lagoons and slower current at 1.5-2.5m. Pronounced wobble imitates injured fish and triggers strikes. Effective when redtails are actively feeding in flooded lagoons.
Spinning
Sight-cast large crankbaits, swimbaits, and heavy jigs to visible fish or structure in clear lagoons. Slow bottom-hugging retrieves draw strikes. Less productive than bait methods but exciting when conditions allow.
