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(Ameiurus catus) Common Names - forked-tail cat, catfish Description - The sides are blue-gray to blue-black and
may be mottled. The tail is moderately forked, and the anal fin is
shorter and rounder than that of channel or blue catfish. Whites have
only 19-22 anal fin rays. The chin barbels are white or yellow. They
have a blunt, more-rounded head, and they lack black spots on their
body. Subspecies - None Range - In Florida, they are found statewide in rivers and
streams and in slightly brackish coastal waters. Habitat - Usually found in slow-moving streams, river
backwaters, reservoirs and ponds. They will tolerate a siltier bottom
and higher salinity, and prefer water temperatures of 80 to 85
degrees. Spawning Habits - As with other members of its family,
they are nest builders, and the male guards the young for some time
after they hatch. Both parents help excavate the large nest, usually
on a sand or gravel bar. Spawning occurs in the early summer when
waters reach about 70 degrees. Feeding Habits - Although fish are their major food,
whites also eat larval aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish eggs
and aquatic plants. They may feed at night, but are not as nocturnal
as other catfish. Age and Growth - Whites grow more slowly than other
catfish species. Fish as old as 11 years have been documented. They
seldom exceed a weight of three pounds. Sporting Qualities - Among the catfishes found in Florida,
the white is second only to the channel catfish in popularity. Live
bait, especially minnows and worms, accounts for most caught whites,
but they also will take cut and prepared baits. Since they can also
be taken by commercial fishermen, no specific regulations
currently apply but they are eligible for the "Big Catch" program. Eating Quality - An excellent food fish, whites are prized
for their firm, white flesh. Records - World and State Record: 18.88 pounds , caught in the Withlacoochee River, Marion County, Florida, in 1991.
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| 2007 CHANNEL CATFISH |