Flathead catfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit pools with logs and other debris in low-gradient to moderate-gradient, small to large rivers. Also found in lakes and impoundments. Young occur in rocky and sandy runs and riffles . Juveniles feed on aquatic insect immature in riffle areas . Older individuals consume crayfish, clams and fishes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Flathead catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Flathead catfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous . Subtropical; ? - 33°C ; 47°N - 26°N, 108°W - 80°W North America: Lower Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from western Pennsylvania to White-Little Missouri River system in North Dakota, and south to Louisiana in USA; Gulf Slope from Mobile Bay drainage in Georgia and Alabama in USA to Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
aquatic insect immature in riffle areas (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Flathead catfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 467 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Flathead catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Appaloosa Catfish · Appaluchion · Flathead Catfish · Goujan · Johnnie Cat · Mississippi Cat · Mud Cat · Opelousa Cat · Pied Cat · Shovel-Nose · Shovelhead · Shovelhead Cat · Shovelhead Catfish · Yellow Cat |
| 🌍CES | sumeček plochohlavý |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Fladhovedet dværgmalle |
| 🇩🇪German | Flachköpfiger Katzenwels · Flachkopfwels |
| 🇫🇷French | barbue à tête plate |
| 🌍LAV | Olīvu pilodiktis |
| 🇵🇱Polish | sum płaskogłowy |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Оливковый сомик |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | bagre piltonte · Puyón |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 鏟鮰 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 51 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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