Catfish
White Catfish
Ameiurus catus
FreshwaterIctaluridaeLeast Concern
About
The white catfish is a medium-sized catfish with a moderately slender body, a slightly forked tail, and barbels around its mouth. They are bottom-dwelling fish, often found in areas with slow currents and muddy or sandy substrates.
- Average size
- 10-19 inches, 2-5 lbs
- Colors
- Typically bluish-gray to slate gray on the back and sides, fading to a white or creamy white belly. Fins are often dusky or gray.
- Diet
- Omnivorous, consuming insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They also scavenge on dead organic matter.
- Region
- Atlantic and Gulf Coast drainages from New York to Florida, and westward to Texas. Introduced populations exist in California and other western states.