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

Flathead Catfi sh
Pylodictis olivaris
Quick key characteristics: The fl athead catfi sh is found in primarily warmwater
habitats. It is scaleless with short fi n bases, an adipose fi n, and sharp
spines on front edges of the dorsal and pectoral fi ns. It has a wide, frontwardfacing
mouth, with a relatively pointed, snout and protruding lower 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 rounded (not forked) tail (caudal)
fi n, (2) short anal fi n, (3) presence of a light-colored patch on the upper
caudal fi n, (4) dorsal and pectoral fi n spines less than two-thirds maximum fi n
height, (5) a protruding lower jaw (except in very small individuals), and (6)
a fl attened “shovel-like” head distinguishes the fl athead catfi sh from similar
fi shes in South Dakota.
Range: The fl athead catfi sh is native to river basins that fl ow into the Gulf
of Mexico, including the Mississippi River drainage. In South Dakota, it is
largely restricted to larger rivers in the southeast.
Items of interest:
• Harvested commercially and popular for sport in the southeastern USA
• Feeds primarily on fi sh, but may also
eat insects and crustaceans
• Breeding males guard their eggs and
young
• Informally named “shovelhead cat,”
“mud cat,” and “yellow cat”
• May reach 60 in. and exceed 120 lbs.
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