Great Forktail Cat, Arkansas Blue, Silver Catfish, Chucklehead, Humpback Cat
Ictalurus furcatus
Description:
Non-native to Georgia. Blue-gray scaleless body that tapers to a forked tail. Has 8 barbels: 1 pair of barbels located above nostrils, 1 barbel located on each side of mouth, 2 pairs of barbels located on chin. Head slightly depressed with slight incline towards dorsal fin. Single dorsal fin and both pectoral fins have spines. Straight anal fin.
Average Maximum Size:
168 cm (66 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Blue Catfish can be distinguished from the White Catfish by the straight margin of their anal fin. The Channel Catfish differs from the Blue Catfish and White Catfish with its narrower head, longer chin barbels, and possible presence of spotted partterning on the body. Gafftopsail Catfish can be readily distinguished from Blue Catfish by the very long first spine on their dorsal fin. Hardhead Catfish are additionally distinguished from the Blue Catfish by a narrower head and body and sharply forked tail.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
NA
Range:
Non-native, found in many freshwater bodies East of Missississippi
Habitat:
Found in deeper parts of freshwater lakes, rivers, and impoundments. Prefers bottoms withs mud, sand, and gravel. Can tolerate low salinity brackish waters in bays and estuaries
