Pylodictis olivaris

(Rafinesque, 1818)

Vernacular names
English : Flathead catfish
French : Poisson-chat à tête plate

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

Identification
Large catfish species growing to 155 cm in length for a weight of 55.8 kg. Very large and flattened head, large mouth, relatively small and dark fins. Coloration is generally olive-brown to greenish-grey with indistinct mottling on back.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern USA and north of Mexico, from southern Great lakes to most big river drainages flowing to Gulf of Mexico (Including Mississippi). Lives in pools with lots of debris in small to large rivers, also lakes and reservoirs.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and has been introduced in other river systems in the USA. Maybe declining in some areas but not currently threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Other catfish species” page