The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

White Catfish, Ameiurus catus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Slightly forked tail
ï¿½	Long, straight-margined anal fin
ï¿½	Stout body, round anteriorly, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Sharp dorsal and pectoral spines
ï¿½	Depressed head, small to moderate eye
ï¿½	Inferior mouth
ï¿½	Gray to slate-blue colored back, gold or pale green tinted side

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Flat bullhead (Ameiurus platycephalus)
ï¿½	Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus)
ï¿½	Yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 200-450 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm ponds, reservoirs, rivers, brackish water, and rarely small streams

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Native to the major Atlantic slope drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insects, fish, and plants

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature in 1 or 2 years
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in late May to July at a minimum of 21ï¿½C
ï¿½	Nests constructed in sand or gravel by both sexes
ï¿½	Males put their tail fin over the head of the female, when they are arranged head to tail
ï¿½	One or both sexes care for the nest
ï¿½	Nest size is 1,400-1,500 eggs
ï¿½	Fecundity is around 3,200-3,500 eggs

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Recreationally and commercially important fish
ï¿½	Widely cultured
ï¿½	Good to eat

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):