Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Flathead catfish
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The Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), also called the yellow cat, opelousas, mud cat and shovelhead cat, are large North American freshwater catfish. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, they have been widely introduced and are an invasive species in some areas.
Their native range 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 North Dakota, as far west as New Mexico, and south to the Gulf of Mexico including northeastern Mexico.
Flathead catfish are most closely related to the Satan genus of fish. They grow to a lengh of c. 155 cm and may weigh up to 56 kg. Their maximum recorded lifespan is 20 years. Males are mature from c. 16 cm and 4 years of age while females mature from c. 18 cm and 5 years of age, but may mature as late as 10 years.
Inhabiting deep pools, lakes and large slow-moving rivers, Flathead catfish are popular among anglers; their flesh is widely regarded as the tastiest of the catfishes. Their size also make the Flatheads effective subjects of public aquaria. Like most catfish, Flatheads are benthic feeders and are not picky. They are voracious carnivores and feed primarily on other fish, insects, worms and crustaceans.
Spawning occurs in late June and early July, the nests made in areas with submerged logs and other debris. The males, who also build the nests, fiercely and tirelessly defend and fan the clutch. The size of the clutch varies proportionately to the size of the female; an average of 2,640 eggs per kilogram of fish are laid.
The fry frequent shallow areas with rocky and sandy substrates where they feed on insects and worms such as annelids and polychaetes. Young flatheads are also cannibalistic, a fact which has largely precluded their presence in aquaculture.
See also: List of fish common names
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