The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Flathead Catfish, Pylodictis olivaris

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Slender or bulky body, depressed anteriorly, slightly compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Broad, flat head
ï¿½	Small eye near the top of the head
ï¿½	Terminal mouth, barbels around mouth
ï¿½	Straight pectoral spine
ï¿½	Upper tip of tail pale on juveniles and some adults
ï¿½	Yellow or brown body and fins with brown mottling

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Widemouth blindcat (Satan eurystomus) - closest living relative

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 400-900 mm total length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm, large streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs
ï¿½	Juveniles in riffles, adults in pools
ï¿½	Tolerate heavy turbidity, but only slightly silted bottoms 

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Native to the New, Tennessee, and Big Sandy drainages
ï¿½	Introduced to the Potomac, James, and Roanoke drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, crayfish, clams, and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature in 3-5 years, depending on sex
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in June and July 
ï¿½	Nest is cleaned substrate near cover or in a cavity
ï¿½	Fecundity is 6,900-11,300 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Good to eat, popular game fish
ï¿½	Very predacious, may cause decline in other fish species 

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):