SCOTCAT.COM

your internet guide to all things catfish

Ictalurus furcatus (Valenciennes, 1840)

Image contributors to this species:

Tennessee Aquarium (1) Paul A.Scharf (1) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2) Reinhold Wawrzynski (2) Tim Aldridge (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: Similar to I. catus which has 18-24 anal fin rays (I. furcatus has 30-36) and a more shallow forked caudal fin. This is treated in North America as a favourite food fish and it is said that its flesh is well flavoured. Habitat: Inhabits deep water of impoundments and main channels and backwaters of medium to large rivers, over mud, sand and gravel. Prefers clear, strongly flowing water. Aquarium Care: Grows far too large for aquarium keeping. Suited to public aquaria.

Common Name:

Blue Catfish, Blue Channel Catfish

Synonyms:

Pimelodus furcatus, Ictalurus meridionalis

Family:

Ictaluridae

Distribution:

North America: Major rivers of the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio basins, south to Mexico and northern Guatemala. Type locality: Mississippi River near St. Louis.

Size:

93.0cm. S.L. (3ft 8ins)

Temp:

08-23°C (45-73°F)

p.H.

6.5-8.5.

Reference:

Aldridge, Tim. pers comm. 2021.
The Audubon Society Field guide to North American Fishes, Whales & Dolphins. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 848 p.

Family: Ictaluridae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Ictalurus furcatus

Ictalurus furcatus

Ictalurus furcatus
Albino 70 cm Aquarium New Orleans USA

Ictalurus furcatus
Juvenile

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