Flathead catfish
This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2009) |
Flathead catfish | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Ictaluridae |
Genus: | Pylodictis Rafinesque, 1819 |
Species: | P. olivaris
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Binomial name | |
Pylodictis olivaris (Rafinesque, 1818)
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Synonyms | |
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The flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), also called by several
Common names
The flathead catfish is also known as the yellow cat, mud cat, Johnnie cat, goujon, appaluchion, opelousas,
Description
The flathead catfish is olive colored on its sides and dorsum, with a white to yellow underside. Individuals, particularly young specimens from clearer waters,[6] may be strongly mottled with dark brown to black color. The eyes are small and the lower jaw prominently projects beneath the upper. A premaxillary tooth pad has posterior extensions.[7] The caudal fin is emarginate in structure, and its upper lobe may bear an isolated white margin.[6][7] The fins are otherwise brown, though the body's mottling may extend into the fins. The anal fin has 14 to 17 rays and a round margin.[7]
The flathead catfish grows to a length of 155 cm (61 in)
Distribution and habitat
The native range of the flathead catfish includes a broad area west of the Appalachian Mountains encompassing large rivers of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio basins. The range extends as far north as Canada, as far west as Texas, and south to the Gulf of Mexico including northeastern Mexico. The flathead catfish cannot live in full-strength seawater (which is about 35 parts per thousand or about 35 grams of salt per liter of water), but it can survive in 10 ppt for a while and thrive in up to about 5 ppt.[11][full citation needed]
Diet
The flathead catfish prefers live prey. It is a voracious carnivore and feeds primarily on
Breeding
Spawning of P. olivaris occurs in late June and early July, and the nests are made in areas with submerged logs and other debris. The males, which also build the nests, fiercely and tirelessly defend and fan the clutch. The size of the clutch varies proportionately to the size of the female; an average of 2,640 eggs per kilogram of fish are laid.
On average each catfish female lays a clutch of roughly 100,000 eggs.[14] The role of the male catfish in fanning the clutch is to provide oxygen to the eggs through the use of his fins. [14] The spawning occurs when the temperature reaches roughly 66 -75 degrees Fahrenheit and the flow of the stream or river becomes steady. [14]
The fry frequent shallow areas with rocky and sandy substrates, where they feed on insects and worms such as annelids and polychaetes. Young flathead catfish are also cannibalistic, which has largely precluded their presence in aquaculture.
Relationship with humans
Inhabiting deep pools, lakes, and large, slow-moving rivers, the flathead catfish is popular among anglers; its flesh is widely regarded as the tastiest of the catfishes. Its size also makes the flathead catfish an effective subject of public aquaria.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing for flathead catfish using either rod and reel, limb lines, or bare hands (
See also
References
- . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- JSTOR 1447075.
- ^ Kentucky Lake- Retrieved 2017-11-17
- ^ Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Animal Information Series- Retrieved 2017-11-17
- ^ Texas.gov: Other names- Retrieved 2017-11-17
- ^ a b c d e "Field Guide: Flathead Catfish". Missouri Department of Conservation. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Flathead Catfish". Florida Museum. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ a b c "Catfish, flathead (Pylodictis olivaris)". The International Game Fish Association. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ Brodd, Nicholas (2012). Powers, Karen; Newtoff, Kiersten; Whistleman, Melissa; Wright, Jeremy (eds.). "Pylodictis olivaris Catfish". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ "Pylodictis olivaris ". World Records - Freshwater Fishing. Archived from the original on January 30, 2020.
- ^ SC Wildlife magazine, October 2004
- ^ Life History- Retrieved 2017-11-17
- ^ "Pylodictis olivaris (Catfish)". Animal Diversity Web.
- ^ a b c Moody-Carpenter, Cassi (2013-01-01). "Demographics of a Commercially Exploited Population of Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in the Wabash River". Masters Theses.
External links
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2011). "Pylodictis olivaris" in FishBase. December 2011 version.
- "Pylodictis olivaris ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 30 January 2006.
- Species Profile - Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), National Invasive Species Information Center, United States National Agricultural Library. Lists general information and resources for Flathead Catfish.