Flathead Catfish
ExploreFish
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
The Flathead Catfish is a unique fish with a flat head. It's known for its size and is a favorite among fishermen!
Habitat: Rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Flathead Catfish has a distinctively wide, flattened head and a protruding lower jaw. Its body is mottled brown, yellow, and olive, providing excellent camouflage, and it lacks scales, possessing smooth, tough skin instead. Unlike other catfish, its tail is only slightly forked.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopteriOrderSiluriformesFamilyIctaluridaeGenusPylodictis
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Flathead Catfish do not have scales, but rather tough, smooth skin!
Their super-wide, flat head helps them wedge into tight spots to hide!
They are powerful predators, often eating fish nearly half their own size!
Unlike other catfish, young Flatheads often swim together in big schools!
Special abilities
Ability
Whisker-Sense Locator
Flathead Catfish have sensitive barbels (whiskers) that help them taste and feel for prey in dark, murky water.
Ability
Camouflage Cloak
Flathead Catfish can change their mottled skin color to blend perfectly with muddy riverbeds, hiding from prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-150 cm
- Weight
- 1-50 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-20 years
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 20 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
These nocturnal hunters gobble up other fish, crayfish, and insects from river bottoms!
Age differences: Young Flathead Catfish primarily eat insects and crustaceans, while adults transition to preying on larger fish.
Primary Foods
- fish
- crayfish
- aquatic insects
- frogs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
A common prey item for larger Flathead Catfish.
eats
Red Swamp Crayfish
Procambarus clarkii
A frequent part of the Flathead's diet.
eaten by
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bald eagles may prey on smaller, juvenile Flathead Catfish.
eaten by
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
River otters can catch and eat smaller Flathead Catfish.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
PaddlefishYellow Catfish
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Flathead Catfish?
30-150 cm
How much does Flathead Catfish weigh?
1-50 kg
How long does Flathead Catfish live?
5-20 years
What does Flathead Catfish eat?
These nocturnal hunters gobble up other fish, crayfish, and insects from river bottoms!
How fast can Flathead Catfish swim?
8 km/h
Where is Flathead Catfish usually found?
Rivers and lakes
How does Flathead Catfish hunt?
Ambush
How deep can Flathead Catfish go?
20 m
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