Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)

Scientific name: Pylodictis olivaris Rafinesque, 1818

The Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 33°C (91°F).

Flathead catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 33°C (91°F)

Biology

Inhabit pools with logs and other debris in low-gradient to moderate-gradient, small to large rivers. Also found in lakes and impoundments. Young occur in rocky and sandy runs and riffles. Juveniles feed on aquatic insect immatures in riffle areas.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pylodictis olivaris
Family: Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 155
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: lower Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from western Pennsylvania to White-Little Missouri River system in North Dakota, and south to Louisiana in the USA; Gulf Slope from Mobile Bay drainage in Georgia and Alabama, USA to Mexico. Transplanted elsewhere in USA.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=3-6)