How to Identify Asian Redtail Catfish

To identify Asian Redtail Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Adults typically have a dark grey to black body dorsally, fading to a lighter grey or whitish ventral surface. The most distinctive feature is the bright red to orange caudal (tail) fin, which becomes more vibrant with age and size. Juveniles may have a more muted coloration and less pronounced red tail.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Prominent, long maxillary barbels extending beyond the pectoral fin base., Four pairs of barbels in total (one maxillary, one nasal, two mandibular)., Deeply forked caudal fin with a striking red to orange coloration in adults., Robust, somewhat flattened head., Large, terminal mouth.

Dorsal fin

Short-based, with a strong, serrated spine and 7 soft rays. Located anteriorly on the back.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with upper and lower lobes of roughly equal length. Distinctive red to orange coloration.

Pectoral fin

Large and powerful, each with a strong, serrated spine and 8-10 soft rays. Used for propulsion and defense.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present, relatively small and located over the posterior part of the anal fin. Anal fin is long-based with 18-22 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Caudal Fin Coloration

   The most definitive feature for adults is the bright red to orange, deeply forked tail fin. Juveniles may have a less intense coloration.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Four pairs of prominent barbels, with the maxillary barbels being particularly long, extending past the pectoral fin base.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Size

   A large, robust, elongated body with a somewhat flattened head. Can reach impressive sizes, up to 150 cm (59 inches) and over 80 kg (176 lbs).

4. 4

   Dorsal and Pectoral Spines

   Presence of strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins.

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