Flathead catfish

Pylodictis olivaris · Fresh

Large ambush catfish of rivers and reservoirs; has sharp pectoral and dorsal spines.

Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)

Photo: Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Facts

Best months

May–Sep. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator.

FeedsAt night
Water temp20–30 °C
Typical size50–90 cm · record about 150 cm
DietLive fish
RegionsNorth America

How conditions affect it

Moon

Sensitive to the moon: favour the major solunar periods.

Tide

Tide matters little for this species.

Pressure

Sensitive to pressure: fish a steady or slowly falling barometer.

Catching tip. Fish live bait at the bottom of deep pools; handle carefully.

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Related species

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