FROM KEY 1
FLATHEAD
CATFISH
Pylodictus olivaris
IDENTIFICATION
Lower jaw extends past upper jaw.
Square, un-forked tail.
Mottled brown coloring with lighter white belly.
INFORMATION
Average size:
•
Average adult size is fi sh is highly variable, but can approach 3.5 ft in length. Commonly caught at 12–20
inches. A master angler is 32 inches or 15 lbs. The Nebraska state record is 80 lbs.
Habitat:
•
Most common in big rivers, but has been stocked statewide in reservoirs.
•
Can tolerate turbidity (murky water).
•
Most commonly found around structures such as large rock jetties and fl ooded trees, but will use open
water habitats.
•
Primarily a piscavore (eats live fi sh) and rarely eats non-live baits. Is attracted to active fi shing lures.
Range:
•
Statewide, especially central to eastern part of the state.
FROM KEY 1
BLACK BULLHEAD
Ameiurus melas
IDENTIFICATION
Black barbels around the
mouth. Anal fi n rays 17–21.
Dark greenish brown/black
body with yellow belly.
Tail fi n is rounded.
INFORMATION
Average size:
•
Average adult size is much smaller than the channel catfi sh. A master angler is 15 inches long or
2 lbs. The Nebraska state record is 3 lbs. 15 oz.
Habitat:
•
Commonly found in still, shallow and turbid waters with little or no aquatic vegetation. Can handle low
oxygen environments.
Range:
•
Statewide, very common.
9
FISH KEY
CATFISH FAMILY
