Golden Tiger Shovelnose Redtail Catfish Hybrid

Golden Tiger Shovelnose × Redtail Catfish Hybrid

Massive presence. Hybrid power.

This golden variant is a color morph with metallic golden color. Also known as the Red-Tailed Leopard Tiger Shovelnose Catfish. This is a hybrid Catfish that grows to a large size and is thought to naturally occur in the wild in rivers in South America.The Golden Tiger Shovelnose Redtail Hybrid combines two of South America’s most iconic river giants into one commanding predator. From the Tiger Shovelnose comes the elongated body and bold striping; from the Redtail comes the thick frame, powerful head, and signature tail coloration. The golden morph amplifies everything — warm metallic tones across the body with high-contrast patterning and a vibrant tail that glows under strong lighting.

Built for scale, this hybrid carries a broad shovel-shaped head, extended barbels, and a muscular body that moves with deliberate confidence. Unlike strictly bottom-hugging catfish, this fish actively cruises mid-to-lower water levels, constantly aware of its surroundings. Feeding time is dramatic — a fast surge forward followed by a vacuum-like inhale.

This hybrid can reach 36–48+ inches in proper conditions and grows quickly when well fed. It is a long-term commitment requiring serious space and filtration.

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Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 500+ gallons (8 ft+ length strongly recommended; indoor pond ideal long-term)

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Flow: Moderate

• Décor: Minimal heavy structure; wide open swimming lanes

• Lighting: Moderate (enhances golden tones)

• Cover: Secure lid required

• Filtration: Oversized biological filtration essential (heavy waste producer)

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Tank Mates

Best with very large, robust species:

• Arowana

• Giant gouramis

• Large datnoids

• Massive cichlids

• Other giant catfish (space dependent)

Avoid small fish — they will be eaten. Avoid highly aggressive species that may cause constant conflict.

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Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Water Quality: Clean and stable conditions critical

• Oxygen: Moderate to high dissolved oxygen preferred

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Diet

Carnivorous:

• Fish fillet

• Shrimp and prawn

• Whole fish (frozen/thawed recommended)

• Large carnivore pellets (once trained)