Fishes of the Chesapeake Bay. Their jaws contain small teeth in villiform bands. Chesapeake Bay Program. "Ictalurus furcatus" (On-line). ("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; Greenlee, 2011; Schloesser, et al., 2011), The increased population growth and dominance of blue catfish has triggered declines in other aquatic organisms. Its smooth skin lacks scales. "Invasive catfish" (On-line). feeds off or rests on the bottom less conspicuous to predators sucker, catfish, sturgeon. Their communication systems are developed enough that social systems such as pecking orders have been observed. Today, their habitat includes most rivers in California, Louisiana, and the Atlantic slope regions including the Rio Grande, James, Rappahannock, Mattaponi, York, Potomac, Patuxent, and Nanticoke Rivers. For more information check out our Texas State Junior Angler Record information. Taxon Information reproduction in which eggs are released by the female; development of offspring occurs outside the mother's body. During their early life, when they are smaller in size, they are hunted by other predatory fish such as flathead catfish and even their own species. Small channel cats typically will have spots lacking in small blue cats. A catfish has a few adaptations to help them see and feed in the darkness of the water. Between 1974 and 1985 the United States Fish Commission and the Virginia Division of Inland Fish and Game stocked blue catfish in the James, Rappahannock, and York Rivers. Their abundance and firm tasty flesh make them a source of profit for several inland fisheries. Description. Blue Catfish has a slate blue body with smooth skin, a silver- white belly and four pairs of black, whisker-like barbels around its mouth. In the in… Response of male blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, and male channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to female channel catfish given pheromonal steroids or prostaglandin. Broach, J., R. Phelps. Recognized for their large bodies that can weigh up to 100 pounds (45kg), blue catfish can reach two to five feet in length (600 to 1500mm). ]��e�O$l�:&+�s�8��
�7�����Lx��_��&ӽ��+4��a���加���%��R�h��{7�7Q�`�d�YxuE�R�����xP{��~
�����NE��Lme��c*q�^p���[|���h�/�����m������8�&��{C��K]�������а�Y١�QR�:\��HH��x;ae}��Z����z�$���7�����M Patterns include rubbing their belly and barbels on the female’s face. For every kilogram of body weight, females lay 4,000 to 8,000 eggs, a gradual process that may take several hours. Their dorsal fin and posterior fins contain spines, which are strongly serrated for defense. The anal fin is the most prominent feature of a Blue Catfish and has a straight outer edge (sometimes referred to as a “barber’s razor”) with 30–36 fin rays. A substance that provides both nutrients and energy to a living thing. The tail fin, or caudal fin, is deeply forked and contains 16 branched rays with 6 soft rays. (Broach and Phelps, 2011; "Maryland fish facts", 2014), The diet of a blue catfish periodically changes throughout its development, expanding from small invertebrates to a larger variety of fish, worms, clams, small crustaceans, mussels, crabs, insects and even frogs, as they age. Texas: Inland Fisheries Division. In the James River, they can grow up to 3 pounds in the first 8 years, while in 11 years, they can reach 20 pounds. April 20, 2014 These characteristics include lack of scales, a single dorsal fin followed by an adipose fin just before the caudal fin, and a flat anal fin. What We Know About Blue Catfish. (��?��&�"��x��i�˅(���r��'L���?$����{RPqU�B�������X;�;��V��eUT����4�SM�}?,z���l>0�≈ �{����mM���]w)��~��� �ų��&{=/a
_UT��T��(� Blue catfish can grow to be larger than 100 pounds. They are generally warmwater fish that live in ponds, lakes, or quiet, slow moving streams and rivers, but they ar… A catfish has whiskers with taste buds. Introduced in several rivers, blue catfish have overcome the salinity barrier that was originally thought to prevent them from expanding in other rivers. Flathead catfish range from the lower Great Lakes through the Mississippi River watershed to the Gulf states. Accessed Accessed Other. Topics Juvenile fish were stocked in ponds, fed, and harvested after 200 days. SEAFWA Weight-length Relationships and Growth Data for Blue Catfish from Four Tennessee Waterbodies David R. Stewart, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 West Woodward Avenue, Eustis, FL 32726 George W. Benz, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Schloesser, R., M. Fabrizio, R. Latour, G. Garman, B. Greenlee, M. Groves, J. Gartland. During egg dispersal, male catfish fertilize the eggs with their sperm, which is dispersed in the form of milt upon and near the eggs. Blue catfish were observed to expand their range in Virginia tributaries when adult densities in tidal freshwater reaches were high and in years of high river flows or episodic flooding (Schloesser et al. "Catfish" is the second most preferred group of fish among licensed Texas anglers, and flatheads rank second behind channel catfish. Catfish often perform various courtship swimming patterns and even mild biting in the nest before fertilization. Due to the rapid decline of these organisms, blue catfish have gained recognition as a detriment to their own ecosystem. There have also been reports of blue catfish in the Burke and Brittle Lakes and far north in the Chesapeake Bay tributaries such as the Susquehanna River. They seek low current areas with protective structures to better secure their eggs and rear their fry. Ecotourism implies that there are existing programs that profit from the appreciation of natural areas or animals. Read. ��BM�6��,������)����Ț����I��{ӆc��ˣ��y�yU�a�f��_ �>�o
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("Blue catfish", 2012; Greenlee, 2011; Murdy, et al., 1997; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2014), Blue catfish commonly rest during the day near the bottom of deep, restrictive waters. This tolerance has allowed blue catfish to pass through brackish waters that were thought to serve as barriers. at http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/fish-facts/invasive-catfish. Non-indigenous range expansion of the blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in the Satilla River, Georgia. examples of how an organism’s form or body can adapt it for survival. Although the exact habits of blue catfish hatchlings are unknown in the wild, in hatcheries the fry have been observed swimming in schools for several weeks before dispersing; however, this may occur for a shorter time in the wild. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Usually has a slate blue body with a white belly. Blue on the dorsal side (the top) and silvery white on the ventral side (the abdomen), the blue marlin also has more than a dozen rows of blue spots on its body. Blue catfish account for one third of the total recreational fishing efforts in Virginia, offering a market gain for environmental agencies and fisheries alike. Catfish are actually preferred by bald eagles over other fish species. Further range expansion of blue catfish in other tributaries may ensue when similar conditions co-occur (high adult Dire wolves were real—and even stranger than we thought. With this physical adaptation, the fish finds food that it can’t see in the darkness at the Hudson’s bottom. 0000004215 00000 n
Declines in the populations of white catfish, shads, and herrings were most notable upon the introduction of blue catfish in states like Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia. �^0(w��` �G���r��c��M��|���H���AѺ�W� �ù�
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2012. at http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/202679/0. ٦(�l�:��hC��4�w@7n�x��=�r�~�bm�R1Y��x��`� � ��Xo�C�WIp"5&��b*̊����v6{x�5���لT���2�gxZ�Û�\�o�W+=8f�gy���>#�ޝ�s����w��Sa�#���0�������5�T�Jq�^E���'�O���Y^�����+z��/,�7��ې�V����S�ʆqޘ�e����`{rh��F�za|@��c�� ;��dq)o�X��^e�8��H�a���קG!]Kܞt�BA�̋2��C. Blue catfish are opportunistic feeders that search for food primarily with the use of sensory tissues on their barbels and skin. They often travel upstream during the reproductive seasons and tend to move back downstream towards estuaries after the mating season. �u�� ��L�g
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�Q'�L%{5:zvJ�"-�~KKFb"8 Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. (Schloesser, et al., 2011), Major threats for blue catfish come from impoundments like Bull Shoals and Table Rock reservoirs, which have resulted in population losses in the White River in Missouri. The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. fertilization takes place outside the female's body. 0000006157 00000 n
("Ictalurus furcatus", 2013). 0000007153 00000 n
("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; Holtan, 1998; "Freshwater catfish in Texas", 2012), Blue catfish have an average life expectancy of 9 to 10 years, but can live to ages upward of twenty years. However, as they age, they become larger than other predatory fish, resulting in less predation. The Yaqui chub is found principally in Sonora, Mexico in the Yaqui, Sonora and Matape rivers. Identification: A large, heavy-bodied catfish with a deeply-forked caudal fin.Color is pale blue to gray on the back and sides, fading to white on the lower sides and belly. at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/documents/species/catfish.pdf. Blue catfish commonly reach 36 inches and 20 pounds. 0000008307 00000 n
Southeastern Naturalist, 11/2: 349-359. at http://blueocean.org/documents/2013/03/blue-catfish-chesapeake-bay-full-species-report.pdf. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2014. Blue catfish have two whiskers from their nose, two from both corners of their mouth, and four from the chin. He also broke numerous water body record breaking six records total. The base of the caudal fin has a triangular black wedge, and the anal fin has 7 rays. Enormous pigeon-eating catfish wreaking havoc on Europe’s ecosystems. Their bodies appear bluish-silver and grey dorsally, silvery-white on their sides, and white ventrally. The spines have glands positioned at their base that can expel toxins; they make their way into predators’ wounds and cause sharp pain. Some fish, such as the flat fishes (Pleuronectiformes), can change their skin coloration to match the surrounding habitat. 0000008129 00000 n
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"Maryland fish facts" (On-line). However, large channel cats and medium-sized blue cats can be more difficult to tell apart, often having similar coloration and general body shape. Washington, D.C: Smithsonian Institution Press. A major difference between blue catfish and channel catfish is the configuration of the air bladder (Pflieger 1997). 0000007174 00000 n
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�4fɫ�؇>/��(�4/�S;3]�����M��? Bethesda, Maryland: American Fisheries Society. These behaviors include biting, slamming into each other, and highly energetic swimming. Rounder, flat bellied body. Conf. While blue catfish can grow quite large, growth rates can vary considerably from individual to individual and few fish actually reach trophy sizes. This material is based upon work supported by the Males build nests and attract females using species-specific pheromones before they swim together in various patterns. Hormonal pheromones also play a key role in reproduction and mating systems between blue catfish. 0000009266 00000 n
Barekzi, Y.; M. Hawkins and J. This is most likely because each catfish species releases species-specific pheromones. One caught in an inland lake on the Virginia–North Carolina border weighed 143 pounds. These are called . Blue catfish also exhibit migratory behaviors and adjust to temperature changes within their habitats by swimming to warmer waters during the winter and cooler waters during the summer. Wyatt, T., J. Martinez, R. Sparrow, A. Barkoh. Contributor Galleries 0000001342 00000 n
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Blue Ocean Institute. The anal fin is long, possesses a straight distal margin, and contains between 27 to 38 rays, although the typical range is 30 to 36. A flattened head allows for digging through the substrate as well as perhaps serving as a hydrofoil. In the James River, blue catfish can grow to large sizes, so recreational fishers often travel to Virginia and the surrounding commonwealths in hopes of catching them. Classification, To cite this page: Blue Catfish, (Ictalurus furcatus), is the largest species of catfish in North America.Now wonder this fellow can reach a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 70 kg (155 lb). Their general behavior and semantics of reproduction share similarities with the entire Bullhead family, especially with channel catfish. Accessed Texas Parks and Wildlife. Life expectancies can range from river to river, with rivers in Virginia being better suited at producing older and larger catfish. This popularity has lead to a profitable business in guided fishing tours. Catfish employ pecking orders to communicate fitness levels with other members of the same species. They also feed on many other fish, creating pressure and limiting the growth of these species. Skin coloration can have many functions. at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/documents/species/catfish.pdf. areas with salty water, usually in coastal marshes and estuaries. Catfish have strong sandpaper like teeth to swallow their food whole. 0000009693 00000 n
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Rounder, flat belly Oval, fairly long Oval, very long - eel like Thin, shorter, disc-shaped Torpedo-shaped. Accessed Habitat: The Blue Catfish lives in the main channels and backwaters of medium to large rivers over mud, sand and gravel, and in large-river impoundments. Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, is the most important catfish species raised in the US. Its smooth skin lacks scales. Under low oxygen levels, certain catfish such as brown bullheads can breathe through their skin and even use their air bladder as an emergency lung by gulping surface air. Reproduction proceeds from courtship behavior to female catfish depositing roughly 40 eggs at a time that adhere to the nest. An animal that eats mainly insects or spiders. 2009 Proc. Although blue catfish prefer freshwater, in rare situations they can occur in brackish estuaries with salinities below 12%, and can tolerate salinities up to 22 ppt (parts per thousand). However, channel catfish have relatively non-uniform growth rates, are adept at evading capture by seining and are susceptible to species-specific diseases. One conspicuous characteristic of all catfish is the presence of barbels around the mouth. Reproduction begins with the foundation and creation of a nest in a suitable place by a male. Accessed 2011. Upon completing egg fertilization, male catfish chase the female away and guard, organize, and periodically ventilate eggs with their tails. 2013. Range. at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/conditions/tidal-river-blue-catfish-report.pdf. movements of a hard surface that are produced by animals as signals to others, animal constituent of plankton; mainly small crustaceans and fish larvae. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding. Animals with indeterminate growth continue to grow throughout their lives. The blue catfish apparently is somewhat migratory, moving seasonally in response to changes in water temperature. Help us improve the site by taking our survey. In fact, this unique body structure allows the blobfish to float in the depths of the ocean with very little energy because its flesh is slightly less than water. Adults usually grow to be less than two feet long but can be up to five feet and weigh more than 100 pounds. Optimal temperatures for egg growth range between 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, while temperatures below 21 degrees tend to damage eggs and promote fungal growth, resulting in weak fry. Species such as the … Their jaws contain small teeth. Mating includes many chemical interactions between males and females. (Bonvechio, et al., 2012; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; Schloesser, et al., 2011; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2014; Wyatt, et al., 2006), Blue catfish populations generate important economic benefits in both recreational and commercial fishing. April 20, 2014 that region of the Earth between 23.5 degrees North and 60 degrees North (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle) and between 23.5 degrees South and 60 degrees South (between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle). April 20, 2014 National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System. Color is another physical adaptation that can help creatures survive. Many fish have color patterns that help them blend in with their environment. Blobfish adaptations They really look like large, floral tadpoles, pale, jelly-like flesh with pale, loose skin, a big nose and a wide-eyed eyes. Blue catfish have eight barbels (whiskers) positioned around their faces. 0000000947 00000 n
at http://invasions.si.edu/nemesis/CH-IMP.jsp?Species_name=Ictalurus+furcatus. Chesapeake Bay Program. The fish can live to 20 years. Greenlee, B. All sorts of things turned up in their stomachs, even muskrats, snakes and birds. They use a vigorous sweeping motion with their tails to clear debris and use their jaws to remove larger objects; their nests can range from 6 to 14 inches in diameter. Blue catfish are highly productive and create high numbers of offspring each reproductive cycle. ("Blue catfish", 2012; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; "Maryland fish facts", 2014; Murdy, et al., 1997), After the spawning process, fertilized blue catfish eggs usually hatch in six to ten days depending on water temperature. In the lower Mississippi River, it moves farther down river where the water is warmest in winter, and it runs upstream in summer. Flavobacterium columnare causes catfish to develop infected white spots around their mouths, fins, and scales, and degenerates their fins. ("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; "Invasive catfish", 2013; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2013; Schloesser, et al., 2011; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2014), Blue catfish prefer to live on the sandy bottoms of medium to large freshwater channels and pools that possess swift and well-flowing currents in depths greater than 6 meters. In addition, they seek sturdy and stable surfaces to which their sticky eggs can properly adhere. This practice is the best strategy as long as suitable wild brood fish are readily available. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria. ("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; Greenlee, 2011; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994), Sea and shorebirds, such as double-crested cormorants, willets, brown pelicans, and osprey, hunt small fish, including blue catfish. nel catfish have been widely intro-duced throughout the United States and the world. Guidelines for the culture of blue and channel catfish. "Ictalurus furcatus" (On-line). However, only the Rio Grande population has dark spots on the back and sides. These taste buds enable blue catfish to taste the surrounding environment before they actually eat anything. Ictalurus is Greek meaning "fish cat", and furcatus is Latin, meaning "forked", a reference to the species' forked tail fin. The Chesapeake Bay record is a blue catfish caught in the James River that was 102 pounds. Blue catfish have eight whiskers (barbels) on their faces. Accessed Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Recognized for their large bodies that can weigh up to 100 pounds (45kg), blue catfish can reach two to five feet in length (600 to 1500mm). Not only are blue catfish used as sport fishes, they are also an important food source for more than sixteen states. ("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; "Blue catfish", 2012; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994), Blue catfish serve as predators and prey, providing food and selective pressure for the organisms that share their habitat. ("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; "Blue catfish", 2012; Greenlee, 2011; Holtan, 1998; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2013), Unlike flathead catfish, blue catfish do not exhibit any home range territorial behavior. 0000004110 00000 n
April 20, 2014 2014. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the largest species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb).The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). They have similar characteristics as channel catfish; however, unlike channel catfish, blue catfish have no dark blue spots, possess a straight edged adipose fin, and usually have more than 29 rays in their anal fin. Convergent in birds. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. Ecological Role of Blue Catfish in Chesapeake Bay Communities and Implications for Management. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control. Smaller introductions of blue catfish have taken place in the rivers of more than 5 other states such as Alabama, Florida, and California, as well as Mexico. ("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; "Blue catfish", 2012; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; "Maryland fish facts", 2014; Murdy, et al., 1997; "Invasive catfish", 2013; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2013), Blue catfish are included in family Ictaluridae, or bullhead catfishes, and have many characteristics shared by members of this family. humans benefit economically by promoting tourism that focuses on the appreciation of natural areas or animals. chemicals released into air or water that are detected by and responded to by other animals of the same species, breeding is confined to a particular season, reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female. (Holtan, 1998), Blue catfish have a well-developed system for communication based on the release of chemical pheromones and sensory organs. On December 23rd 2011 my son Lane Ferguson caught a 66.28 lb blue catfish setting a new record for Texas State Junior Angler Blue Catfish. 1997. Attraction between male and female catfish occurs with the use of pheromonal cues. In one study, three genetic groups of catfish—NWAC103 line channel catfish, Norris line channel catfish, and a hybrid between the Norris channel catfish and the Dycus Farm line blue catfish—were compared for production, meat yield, and meat quality traits. living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. (Holtan, 1998; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; "Ictalurus furcatus", 2014), Spawning and breeding season occurs once a year, between April and June in freshwater reservoirs and backwaters depending on geographic location. Fry are very small and are easily preyed upon by other fish, so they feed nocturnally at low depths and near cover on zooplankton and aquatic insects. The Blue Catfish has a deeply forked tail and typically has a bluish-gray body above, fading to white on its sides and belly. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Catfish use their sharp fins for fighting. (Compare to phytoplankton.). Accessed It has several desirable traits, including rapid growth, ease of spawning, tolerance to wide ranges of temperatures and water quality, good product quality and high consumer acceptance. "Freshwater catfish in Texas" (On-line). No sexual dimorphisms have been observed in blue catfish. They provide adequate economic success and good sport fishing for many people. In one study, three genetic groups of catfish—NWAC103 line channel catfish, Norris line channel catfish, and a hybrid between the Norris channel catfish and the Dycus Farm line blue catfish—were compared for production, meat yield, and meat quality traits. Blue catfish become sexually mature between the ages of 4 to 7 years; at this time, they are generally 35 to 66 cm (14 to 26 in) long and weigh 2.3 kg. Jenkins, R., N. Burkhead. O Two barbels arise dorsally, from the nose, two extend from both corners of the mouth (one for each corner), and four protrude from the chin. Murdy, E., R. Birdsong, J. Musick. Their color is dark on top so predators in the air don't see them.It is light on it's belly so predators don't see them underwater. During spring, they may enter areas with little to no currents such as backwaters, sloughs, and reservoirs for nesting and reproduction. … The ADW Team gratefully acknowledges their support. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. uses smells or other chemicals to communicate, ranking system or pecking order among members of a long-term social group, where dominance status affects access to resources or mates. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. Since then, they have quickly expanded to major tributaries in Maryland and Virginia, and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay areas. (Holtan, 1998; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; "Invasive catfish", 2013; "Freshwater catfish in Texas", 2012), Although the male is the primary caretaker, both male and female blue catfish care for their fry. having the capacity to move from one place to another. 0000005164 00000 n
("Blue catfish - Chesapeake Bay", 2014; Greenlee, 2011; Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; "Freshwater catfish in Texas", 2012; Wyatt, et al., 2006), Both male and female blue catfish are necessary in order for reproduction to take place. H�dUM��6��W̑dV�$J�-H�C��@b��M�D[�ʢARk�ϐ�]m�b�5�cތwO䛾��8���b��eR�����_p8�v5kx]C��;����mG2z�o�9����=g"��x��,�E����Ȥ�)� �_,�
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+U�ZIp�*}�ƫ���pZ�Z��h�ᓷ�V���:�?�2���[Pݐa�+/Q�},��%�mͣ4��{�Z<. Bonvechio, T., B. Bowen, J. Mitchell, J. Bythwood. at http://www.chesapeakebay.net/fieldguide/critter/blue_catfish. Search in feature "Blue catfish" (On-line). One study in several Oklahoma reservoirs demonstrated that less than 1% of blue catfish would ever reach 30" in length. Once hatched, blue catfish remain in the fry stage until they completely absorb their yolk sacs, a process that is also dependent on water temperature and usually takes between 3 to 6 days. Body Shape Adaptations. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. However, temperature-mediated sublethal effects of increased salinities on blue catfish biology are not yet known. 0000001570 00000 n
physical adaptations. Body color varies from steel blue to yellow-brown. Fish display a wide variety of colors and color patterns. They are neither threatened nor endangered according to the IUCN, United States Federal List, CITES, or the State of Michigan List. To avoid predation, blue catfish defend themselves with a serrated spinal barb located on both their dorsal and pectoral fins. 0000001002 00000 n
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Edwardsiella ictaluri causes white lesions on their backs and sides to form, and external hemorrhages under their bodies and around their mouths. Holtan, P. 1998. 0000001749 00000 n
Disclaimer: Maryland Department of Natural Resources. At the same time, the study — which examined 16,110 blue catfish stomachs — cast doubt on the notion that they are voracious, ecosystem-altering predators. makes seasonal movements between breeding and wintering grounds, eats mollusks, members of Phylum Mollusca. Blue catfish (I. furcatus) brood fish are collected from the wild. j7�xs�dۿˋ|)̫����� "Catfish" (On-line). H�lTM��6��W�QJ- �G�I��I�R���s��mR ����i!��9���L�������8:S��N�\q��`�N��ᗓ����qg�Hw5��l�G�p6�������M'I.i{�Oy����yaN_��94�u����g��Y���\�yǾ\��L�*��0A��1 $�X&J��ǀ5CI)T`*=O:�����禧�������A �f,Ō}������M�lEK=\��,��&7��v��N_�����kx*㜽6���;W% ?ptH
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The use of pheromonal cues and larger catfish external hemorrhages under their bodies appear bluish-silver and grey,., snakes and birds night, they have now spread beyond the and! Swim together in various patterns least concern overall dark spots on the female ’ s.! Often travel long distances in pursuit of these locations Texas '' ( On-line,. 6 soft rays ( Holtan, 1998 ), Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Guides! Preferred group of fish among licensed Texas anglers, and harvested after 200 days between blue catfish ( furcatus. Catfish apparently is somewhat migratory, moving seasonally in response to changes in water temperature be larger than 100.! Well-Developed system for communication based on the release of chemical pheromones and sensory organs concern overall they swim swifter! Carolina border weighed 143 pounds adults, blue catfish forked tail, and the fin... 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