This fish gets really large. They are only able to be kept in a smaller aquarium as juveniles. Being fast growers they will quickly need a larger and larger aquarium. As they reach up to 3 feet or more (there are some reports of specimens reaching up to 5 feet!), they will ultimately need a very large tank. For the largest sized ones that could be 1500 gallons or more. This is a huge tank, making them not really suitable for most home aquarists.

They are not real active and would prefer a large cave or den to hang out in. They can't be kept with smaller fish as they will become lunch sooner or later. This fish has a big mouth and a hearty appetite. Even though the Red-tailed catfish is one of the larger fish in the Amazon, this is not a food fish for the natives. It has a dark colored flesh and the natives will only eat white flesh!