Top Redtail Catfish Fishing Countries

The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a striking, large freshwater species native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins in South America. Recognized for its vibrant red-orange tail and impressive size—often reaching over 1 meter in length—this catfish is highly prized both by local commercial fisheries and international sport anglers. The primary countries involved in harvesting Redtail Catfish are Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, where the species is caught for local consumption, export, and increasingly for recreational fishing tourism. In these nations, the Redtail Catfish supports small-scale fisheries and is a popular target for catch-and-release angling, contributing to ecotourism economies along the Amazon and its tributaries. However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose challenges, prompting some countries to implement regulations to ensure sustainable populations of this iconic South American fish.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.