Scientific Name
Ictalurus furcatus

Common Name
Blue catfish

Biology
Inhabits deep water of impoundments and main channels and backwaters of medium to large rivers, over mud, sand and gravel (Ref. 5723). Prefers clear, strongly flowing water. Marketed fresh and frozen. Eaten steamed, fried, broiled, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988).

Classification

Classified By

Valenciennes, 1840

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

North American freshwater catfishes (Ictaluridae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

North America: Major rivers of the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio basins, south to Mexico and northern Guatemala.

Range

44°N - 26°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

50 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; demersal; depth range 50 - ? m (Ref. 5723)

Trophic Level

3.41 s.e. 0.44 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

165 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5020 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Very high vulnerability (85 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tmax=21)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated