Scientific Name
Pylodictis olivaris

Common Name
Flathead catfish

Biology
Inhabit pools with logs and other debris in low-gradient to moderate-gradient, small to large rivers. Also found in lakes and impoundments. Young occur in rocky and sandy runs and riffles (Ref. 5723). Juveniles feed on aquatic insect immatures in riffle areas (Ref. 10294).

Classification

Classified By

Rafinesque, 1818

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

North American freshwater catfishes (Ictaluridae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

North America: lower Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from western Pennsylvania to White-Little Missouri River system in North Dakota, and south to Louisiana in the USA; Gulf Slope from Mobile Bay drainage in Georgia and Alabama, USA to Mexico. Transplanted elsewhere in USA.

Range

47°N - 26°N

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

33 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; demersal

Trophic Level

3.79 s.e. 0.65 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

155 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.0000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (74 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=3-6)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated