Published on Georgia DNR - Wildlife Resources Division (http://www.georgiawildlife.com)

Fish Identification

Channel catfish

Channel catfish

The channel catfish has a deeply forked tail with black spots on its back and sides. Its top and sides vary from gray to slate-blue and are often olive with a yellow sheen. Its body is scaleless, and it has eight barbels (whiskers) around its mouth that serve as taste sensors for locating food. The anal fin of a channel catfish is round, while the anal fin of a blue catfish has a straight outer edge.

Scientific Name:  Ictalurus punctatus

State Record: 44 lbs. 12 oz.

Image D.Raver (USFWS)

Georgia Wildlife Resources Division
2070 U.S. Hwy. 278, SE, Social Circle, GA 30025

Source URL: http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/599