Flathead catfish
Pylodictis olivaris · Fresh
Large ambush catfish of rivers and reservoirs; has sharp pectoral and dorsal spines.

Photo: Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Facts
| Best months | JFMAMJJASOND May–Sep. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator. |
|---|---|
| Feeds | At night |
| Water temp | 20–30 °C |
| Typical size | 50–90 cm · record about 150 cm |
| Diet | Live fish |
| Regions | North 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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