Fakta Menarik Ikan RTC Terbesar Alias Red Tail Catfish

Summary

The Red Tail Catfish (RTC), a large freshwater species native to South America, is known for its distinctive red tail and fast growth. Found in the Amazon Basin, RTCs are popular for their docile nature and unique appearance. They require large aquariums or ponds due to their size, growing up to 1.2 meters in just a couple of years. RTCs are omnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and fruits. They thrive in temperatures between 20–26°C and need stable water conditions. However, as they grow, they can become a challenge for home aquarium owners, often being released into larger public tanks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Red Tail Catfish (RTC), also known as ikan lele ekor merah, is native to South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, and has become an invasive species in parts of Asia.
• 😀 RTC is referred to by different names in various regions, such as 'kaya rok' in Venezuela and 'firara' in Brazil.
• 😀 The distinct red coloration of the RTC's dorsal and tail fins gives the species its name.
• 😀 RTC can be found in large rivers across Colombia, Guyana, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador, mainly in the Amazon Basin.
• 😀 A key difference between South American and Thai RTCs is the brighter gray back color of the Thai variety.
• 😀 The scientific name of the South American Red Tail Catfish is Hemibagrus wikioides.
• 😀 RTC has a cylindrical body with a flat belly, compressed tail, and large shovel-shaped mouth with long whiskers.
• 😀 A notable feature of RTC is a white horizontal line running across its body, which is continuous in young fish and broken in older ones.
• 😀 Red Tail Catfish are bottom-dwelling creatures that become more inactive and nocturnal as they age.
• 😀 RTC is known for being tame and can be trained to take food directly from a person's hand, especially as they grow larger.
• 😀 The natural diet of RTC includes smaller fish, crabs, shrimp, and sometimes fruits, but in captivity, it can eat a wide variety of foods such as shrimp, pellets, fish fillets, worms, and even soft fruits.

Q & A

What is the native habitat of the red tail catfish?

The red tail catfish, or *ikan lele ekor merah*, is native to South America, particularly in countries like Colombia, Guyana, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador, where it can be found in the Amazon Basin and large rivers.

Why is the red tail catfish also known as RTC?

The red tail catfish is commonly referred to as RTC, which is an acronym for 'Red Tail Catfish.' The name comes from the distinct red coloring on its tail and dorsal fins.

How does the appearance of the red tail catfish differ between South American and Thai varieties?

The red tail catfish from Thailand has a lighter greyish back compared to the South American variety. The South American red tail catfish typically has a darker back.

What is the scientific name of the red tail catfish?

The scientific name of the red tail catfish from Thailand is *Hemibagrus wikioides*.

What are the distinguishing features of the red tail catfish's body?

The red tail catfish has a cylindrical, arrow-shaped body with a flat belly, and its tail is laterally compressed. It also has a broad, shovel-shaped mouth and long whiskers (barbels) extending from its chin.

How does the coloration of the red tail catfish change as it ages?

Young red tail catfish have a continuous white line pattern near their mouths, which becomes broken as they age. Their body color is generally grey or brown with darker spots, while their belly remains cream-colored.

What is the typical behavior of a red tail catfish in an aquarium?

In an aquarium, the red tail catfish tends to spend most of its time at the bottom of the tank. As it ages and grows, it becomes less active and may primarily move during the night.

How long can red tail catfish live?

Red tail catfish are known to live for up to 20 years when properly cared for.

What should be included in the diet of a red tail catfish in an aquarium?

In an aquarium, the red tail catfish's diet can include shrimp, fish pellets, fish fillets, earthworms, bloodworms, and even soft fruits. It can also be fed live fish, though caution is advised as unhealthy fish could introduce parasites.

What are the care requirements for red tail catfish in terms of water conditions?

Red tail catfish prefer tropical water with temperatures between 20°C and 26°C. They thrive in stable environments, so it's important to avoid fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, the water's pH should be maintained between 6 and 7.5.