Red-tailed Catfish (Phractocephalus hemiliopterus)
The Red-tailed Catfish is native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins of South America and found only in fresh water. The Red-tailed Catfish has a broad head with a wide mouth. Its body is primarily dark gray with small darker gray spots. The ventral surface is paler. A lateral white band starts at the caudal peduncle and runs anteriorly, tapering to end anywhere from midway along the body to just behind the operculum. The caudal fin is red or orange, giving the fish its common name. Upon maturity these fish can reach a length of 1.3 m (4 ft) total length, and weigh over 44 kg (97 lb).