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Tim Aldridge (2) jrfleullan (2)

Description: Similar looking to Ictalurus furcatus and I. punctatus but differs in that it has 24 or fewer anal fin rays (vs usually more that 24). It differs from other catfishes in having a moderately forked caudal fin (vs. caudal fin squarish, rounded, or slightly emarginate). Colouration: Body blue-black and frquently mottled, although no discrete black spots along sides. Fins lightly coloured, without dusky borders. Habitat: Found in Sluggish, mud-bottomed pools, open channels, and backwaters of small to large rivers; also in lakes and impoundments. Diet: Feeds on wide variety of fishes, insects and crustaceans. Etymology: The genus name Ameiurus: a-, without; meiosis, to reduce; urus, tailed, literally “not curtailed,” referring to absence of deep notch in caudal fin compared to forked tail of Ictalurus. Ths specific name catus: Latin for cat, referring to its cat-like whiskers. Remarks: This species is listed as Least Concern in view of the large range extent, very large population size, and lack of significant decline (IUCN 2013, needs updating).

White catfish

Ictalurus catus, Silurus catus

Ictaluridae

North America: Atlantic and Gulf coast drainages from Hudson River to Pascagoula River, Mississippi; introduced elsewhere.

95.0cm. (38ins) TL.

18-25°C (63-77°F)

6.5-7.5.

Hardman, M. and L.M. Page, 2003. Phylogenetic relationships among bullhead catfishes of the genus Ameiurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae). Copeia 2003(1):20-33.
Robinson, W. Henry and Buchanan M. Thomas, 1945. (reprint 1984) Fishes of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas Press. 536.p.
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