Ictalurus punctatus - Whats My Bait

Channel Catfish

Channel Cat, Spotted Catfish, Spotted Cat, Lake Catfish, Great Lakes Catfish, Northern Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Description:

Dorsal and flanks are olive brown or slate blue, usually with roundish black spots. The belly is white. The fins are yellowish or dusky, often with a narrow black fringe. The anal fin is rounded and the tail is forked.

Average Maximum Size:

81 cm (32 in)

Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:

Channel Catfish can be differentiated from Blue Catfish and White Catfish by their anal fin. The Channel Catfish has a straighter anal fin with a slight convex edge compared very rounded and short White Catfish anal fin. The presence of spots will positively identify it is as Channel rather than a White, but spots may not be visible in larger or very small individuals. The Blue Catfish anal fin is longer, and straighter, with over 30 rays, while the Channel Catfish does not have more than 29 rays.

Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:

Range:

St. Lawrence River to Florida

Habitat:

Freshwater systems, over a variety of habitats where currents are slow

Notes:

Regulated Species:

Regulations Website:

Species: Ictalurus punctatus

Family: Ictaluridae

Family Description: Freshwater Catfish

Mouth Type: Terminal

Tail Type: Forked

Dorsal Type: Split

Similar Species

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White Catfish

Blue Catfish