Catfish
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
FreshwaterIctaluridaeLeast Concern
About
The blue catfish is a large, predatory catfish with a bluish-gray body, a white belly, and a deeply forked tail. They are opportunistic feeders and are known to be strong swimmers, often found in deep channels and pools of rivers and lakes.
- Average size
- 20-40 inches, 20-40 lbs (can exceed 100 lbs)
- Colors
- Bluish-gray, white
- Diet
- Omnivorous; includes fish, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally plant matter.
- Region
- Primarily found in the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Rio Grande river basins. Introduced populations exist in other states including Virginia.