Ictalurus furcatus

(Valenciennes, 1840)

Vernacular names
English : Blue catfish
French : Poisson-chat bleu

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Ictaluridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 165 cm for a weight of 68 kg. Torpedo-shaped body, dorsally flattened. Broad head with short but thick barbels. Top of head and upper flanks are bluish-grey, rest of body is creamy white.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America, in eastern USA and Mexico, in Mobile and Mississippi bassins, south to Rio Grande. Also in Soto la Marina basin. Lives in lakes, medium and large rivers, in deep waters, over mud, sand and gravel.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and is very common in the wild. May be declining locally due to pollution and overfishing.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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