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Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer
Activity: Nocturnal (Active at night)
Lifespan: 5-22 years

A large, North American, freshwater bottom-dweller. It has a slender, olive body with dark mottling, a wide, flat head, and short barbels or “whiskers.” The Flathead Catfish is much larger than the Channel Catfish, with the maximum recorded weight being 123 lbs. Their large size, combined with the fact that their flesh is widely regarded as the tastiest of all of the catfish, make the Flathead Catfish very popular among anglers.

Diet

Feeds primarily on fishes, insects, annelid worms, and crustaceans.

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Actinopterygii
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Order: Siluriformes
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Family: Ictaluridae
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Genus: Pylodictis
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Species: Pylodictis olivaris

Scientific Name

Pylodictis olivaris
Breeding Season
June-July
Lifespan
5-22 years

Behavior

Flathead catfish are a benthic fish species meaning they prefer to lay on the bottom of a body of water. This species is primarily nocturnal, but is sometimes active during the day as well.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)

Habitat Types

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

The native range of the flathead catfish includes a broad area west of the Appalachian Mountains encompassing large rivers of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio basins. The range extends as far north as Canada, as far west as Texas, and south to the Gulf of Mexico including northeastern Mexico. It is considered invasive in some areas.

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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