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Channel Catfish Details

Channel Catfish Source: Raver, Duane. http://images.fws.gov. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Water Type: freshwater
  • Latin Name: Ictalurus punctatus
  • Common Names: Spotted Cat, Blue Channel Cat, River Catfish, Channel Cat, Willow Cat, Forked-tail Cat, Fiddler, Spotted Cat, Lady Cat
  • Water Temp: 75 to 85
  • World Record: 58 pounds 0 ounces
  • Last Modified By: catfishboy on 12/18/13 12:35 PM
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... rutgerslawfishing posted in NJ
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... catfishboy posted in NJ
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10y
... garycherie posted in WV
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... jsguitar posted in CT
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... fishinmusician posted in MA
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... hotspurcoach posted in NJ
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Channel Catfish Description

Ictalurus is Greek and punctatus is Latin, meaning "fish cat" and "spotted", respectively. Channel catfish are easily distinguished from all others, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. Unlike flathead catfish, the upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw. Coloration is olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, shading to silvery-white on the belly. Typically, numerous small, black spots are present, but may be obscured in large adults. The anal fin has 24-29 soft rays, in contrast to the blue catfish which always has 30 or more rays in the anal fin. Channel catfish are most abundant in large streams with low or moderate current. Some baits of choice, hot dogs, hot dogs soaked in maple syrup, or dip in sticks

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