Golden Redtail Catfish – Hemibagrus wyckioides

The Golden Redtail Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) is a striking golden color morph of a powerful large-growing freshwater catfish, recognized for its pale gold-to-cream body, long barbels, muscular build, and distinctive tail coloration.

This impressive predatory species is best suited for experienced aquarists with the space and filtration required for a very large adult fish.

This listing is offered in multiple size options. The actual fish size received will correspond to the size variation selected at checkout.

Scientific Name: Hemibagrus wyckioides
Common Name: Golden Redtail Catfish
Family: Bagridae
Origin: Mekong / Chao Phraya and surrounding river systems
Adult Size: Up to approximately 51 in / 130 cm
Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory
Care Level: Advanced
Swimming Level: Bottom to Mid Level
Water Type: Freshwater

Aquarium Recommendation

Golden Redtail Catfish grow into extremely large and powerful fish and require substantial swimming space.

Juveniles may initially be kept in appropriately sized grow-out aquariums, but long-term care requires a very large custom aquarium or indoor pond-style system.

Recommended setup includes:

• Large open swimming areas
• Strong biological and mechanical filtration
• High oxygenation
• Driftwood and large rocks
• Secure shelters without restricting swimming space
• A securely covered aquarium
• This species produces substantial waste, making oversized filtration and regular water changes especially important.

Water Parameters

Temperature: Approximately 72–82°F / 22–28°C
pH: Approximately 6.0–8.0
Flow: Moderate
Filtration: Very Strong
Oxygenation: High

Ammonia and nitrite should remain at 0 ppm.

Stable water quality and regular maintenance are essential.

Feeding

Golden Redtail Catfish are predatory carnivores and should receive a varied protein-rich diet.

Recommended foods include:

• Shrimp
• Krill
• Mussels
• Chopped seafood
• Crustaceans
• Frozen fish-based foods
• High-quality sinking carnivore pellets
• Other appropriately sized meaty foods

A varied prepared diet is preferred over routine use of live feeder fish.

Tank Mates

This is a large, aggressive predatory catfish.

Small fish and other animals that can fit into its mouth may be viewed as prey.

Tank mates, if attempted, should be:

• Large and robust
• Too large to be swallowed
• Capable of competing for food
• Appropriate for a large predator aquarium

Individual temperament can vary, and aggression may increase with size and maturity.

Coloration & Development

The Golden Redtail Catfish is valued for its distinctive pale golden coloration.

Individual fish may vary naturally in:

• Golden or cream body coloration
• Tail coloration
• Fin coloration
• Body shape
• Color intensity
• Exact size

Color intensity may also change depending on age, lighting, diet, environment, stress, and acclimation.

Size Variations

This product is offered in multiple size options.

Please select the desired size before purchasing.

Actual size will correspond to the selected variation, with slight natural variation possible between individual fish.

Please Note: Product photos and videos are real photos of fish from RJ AQUA stock and are representative of the fish offered for sale. This is not an individually numbered specimen listing. The actual fish shipped may naturally vary in coloration, body shape, fin appearance, tail coloration, and exact size from the fish shown.