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Ictalurus furcatus  (Valenciennes, 1840)
Image contributors to this species:
Tennessee Aquarium (1) Paul A.Scharf (1)  Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2)
ScotCat Sources:
Etymology = Genus Etymology = Species
Other Sources:
Fishbase  Google Search  All Catfish Species Inventory  Search ispecies  Wikipedia
 
Relevant Information: 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. Similar to I.cactus 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.
Common Name: Blue Catfish, Blue Channel Catfish
Synonyms: Pimelodus furcatus, Ictalurus meridionalis
Family: Ictaluridaelycipitidae
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: 93cm. S.L. (3ft 8ins)
Temp: 08 -23°C (45-73°F)
p.H. 6.5-8.5.
Reference: The Audubon Society Field guide to North American Fishes, Whales & Dolphins. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 848 p.


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Family:  Ictaluridae

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Ictalurus furcatus

Click for full imageIctalurus furcatus

Click for full imageIctalurus furcatus

Click for full imageIctalurus furcatus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                            updated = June 29, 2010 © scotcat 1997-2010