Tims Fish Pages - Species Info- Blue Catfish

Scientific Name:

Ictaluras furcatus

Common Names:

blue catfish, great blue cat, forktail cat, silver cat, channel cat, blue fulton, chucklehead cat

Description:

They have a forked tail, like a channel catfish, but do not have spots. There anal fins contain 30 to 35 rays. Both their sides and back are blue or blue gray with a white underside.

Location:

Size:

Largest of the catfish family, reaching sizes of over 50 inches and greater than 100 lbs

Spawning:

Spring and early summer after water temp rises above 70 deg F. The male finds or forms a nest usually in secluded areas. The female will lay a few thousand to over 20 thousand eggs, depending on here age and other factors, in a large, flat, gelatinous mass. Eggs are spherical and yellowish or goldish in color. They generally turn more brown before hatching. The male protects the nest until the hatched larvae leave, usually a few days after hatching.

Prey:

Sensitive taste buds in the barbels and on the skin are used to locate prey. The feed primarily at night. They consume, among other things, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and crayfish. Larger channel catfish may also feed on fish.

Fishing notes:

The best baits are live or cut fish, nightcrawlers and shrimp. Most are bottom feeders so use heavy sinkers.