pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

Channel Catfi sh
Ictalurus punctatus
Quick key characteristics: The channel catfi sh primarily is found in warmwater
habitats. It is scaleless with an elongated anal fi n, an adipose fi n, and sharp,
venomous spines on front edges of the dorsal and pectoral fi ns. It has a wide,
frontward-facing mouth, with a rounded, snout and over-hanging upper jaw. Its
body shape is relatively tubular and it has prominent snout, mouth, and chin barbels.
Similar species in South Dakota: other catfi sh
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) a deeply forked tail (caudal) fi n, (2)
rounded anal fi n, (3) presence of dark spots and a black caudal-fi n margin
(especially in young individuals), and (4) prominent serrations on the back
edge of pectoral fi n spines distinguishes the channel catfi sh from similar
fi shes in South Dakota.
Range: The channel catfi sh is native to river basins fl owing into the Gulf
of Mexico, including the Mississippi River, and portions of the Great Lakes
basin. It is widespread in larger streams, lakes, and rivers of South Dakota,
and is the predominant sport fi sh in turbid rivers where larger individuals
occupy pools, especially those associated with logs and brush.
Items of interest:
• Feeds on insects, crustaceans, fi sh (live or dead), and detritus
• May undertake migrations in spring
to spawn in small streams
• Breeding males may take on a darker,
blue-black coloration, causing
confusion with blue catfi sh
• Breeding males guard their eggs and
young
• May exceed 47 in. and 55 lbs.
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