Wide compressed head with 8 Barbels: 1 long dark barbel on both sides of mouth, 1 pair of shorter dark barbels above the nostrils, and 2 pairs of shorter white barbels on the chin. Forked tail. Upper half of body dark gray/brown or olive green and fades to white near belly. Smooth skin, no scales. Single rounded spined dorsal fin and one adipose fin behind it. Pectoral fins are rounded with spines. Margin of anal fin is rounded.
Average Maximum Size:
43 cm (17 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
White Catfish differ from Channel Catfish which have a narrower head and longer chin barbels which are dark and may have spots. In contrast to White Catfish, Blue Catfish feature an anal fin with a straight to slightly concave margin. Flathead Catfish do not have a forked tail. Gafftopsail Catfish have a very long first spine on their dorsal fin. Hardhead Catfish can additionally be distinguished from White Catfish with their narrower head and body and sharply forked tail.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
New York to Florida
Habitat:
Found in fresh and brackish waters. Typically inhabits muddy bottom bodies of water such as in rivers, lakes, and impoundments.
