TN00172 BLUE CATFISH ICTALURUS FURCATUS
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This is the largest Ictalurid, with adults reaching a Total Length of 500-900 mm. The record blue catfish for Virginia weighed 17.5 kg. This species has a deeply forked tail and a long, straight-margined anal fin. The body is slender in juveniles and small adults, stout and robust in large adults; they are round anteriorly, slightly compressed posteriorly, The head is depressed; the lateral profile of the head dorsum is straight in the juvenile, to slightly convex in the adult; the mouth is sub- terminal to inferior; the eye is small to moderate. The pectoral spine is straight ot slightly recurved; the anterior margin is rough- ened; the posterior serrae are large and recurved. Sexual dimorphism is unknown. The dorsal fin has 1 spine, 6 rays; there are 15 branched caudal rays, 8 pelvic rays; the pectoral has 1 spine, 8-9 rays. Anal rays 33-35. Gill rakers 14-21. The gas bladder is 2-chambered, with a submedial constriction. Color: Dorsum gray to blue-gray; side uni- form white to silver; venter white *4205*. REPRODUCTION:In Louisiana, spawns April-May *2552*; in Iowa, spawns in June and early July *5073, 7092*; construct nest to spawn *7092*. The nests are sheltered, and both sexes share in brooding. Females lay approximately 2000 eggs per pound(0.45 kg) of their body weight. Breed- ing occurs when water temperatures are 21-24 degrees Celsius *4205*. BEHAVIOR: Feed on bottom of stream, lake or pond, and use barbels to find food *1187*; undertake seasonal movements in response to changes in water temp., in lower Miss. River, move downstream to warmer water in winter & move upstream in spring *2552*. Small invertebrates are the primary food of young and small juveniles; larger fish consume invertebrates, fishes, and occasionally frogs. Mussels may also be taken *4205*. ORIGIN: Introduced to Rapahannock and James drainages *816*. POPULATION PARMETERS:In Oklahoma, yearly increment of growth is 5.7 mm first year, 3.6 by 5th year, after that growth is irregular *5726*; in Iowa, reach 2.5-4 mm by end of 1st year. May reach nearly 100 lbs.; specimens 25-30 lbs. are common *7092*; AQUATIC/TERRESTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS: Consume a variety of invertebrates, fish, frogs, and mussels *4205*.
| Life History |
References for Life History Codes
1187, 7092, 5726, 2552, 5073, 4205
Comments on Life History Codes