View Cart
CheckOut
My Account
 

Identicards

   Online Store
 
   Magazines
     Free Fishing Magazine
     Free Hunting Magazine
     Subscriptions Fishing
     Subscriptions Hunting
     Back Issue Magazines
 
   Quick Links
     State DNR's
     Fishing Link Index
     Hunting Link Index
     Outdoor Link Index
 
   Species Identification
     Freshwater Fish
        Bass
        Catfish
        Crappie
        Pike
        Salmon
        Sunfish
        Trout
        Walleye
     Saltwater Fish
     Waterfowl
     Deer
 
   Articles
     Hunting Articles
 
   Information
     Contact Us
      Advertising

Return to All About Catfish   

White catfish
Ameiurus catus
Common Name(s):

Forked tail cat
Description:

The sides on the white cat are blue-gray to blue-black and may be mottled. The tail is moderately forked, and the anal fin is shorter and rounder than that of Channel or Blue catfish. White Catfish have only 20 to 24 anal fin rays. The chin barbels are white or yellow. They have a blunt, more-rounded head, and they lack black spots on their body.
Similar Fish:

Blue catfish, channel catfish
Feeding Habits:

Although fish such as shad are their major food, whites also eat aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish eggs and pondweed. They sometimes feed at night but are not as nocturnal as other catfish.
Range:

The white catfish is native to the U.S. Atlantic coastal states from about Palm Beach, Florida, to New York. It has been introduced outside the range southward into Texas and on the west coast.
Habitat:

White catfish live in channels, pools and backwaters in rivers or streams, mostly in sluggish current over mud bottoms. They go into swift water, but not as much as channel catfish.
Typical Size:

The white catfish are the smallest of the cats. A good size white catfish will reach a little over 10 pounds and over a foot long.
World Record:

18 pounds, 14 ounces (Source - IGFA)
image linking to 100 Top Captain and Guide Sites
Saltwater 100