Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
About This Fish

The Blue Catfish is found in Gulf Coast drainages from Mexico to Florida, including the Mobile Basin, as well as the Mississippi River Drainage, including the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages. They live in the main channels over a variety of substrate in medium to large rivers and reservoirs. As the common name suggests, Blue Catfish have a blue coloration over their entire body. Catfishes get their name from whiskers (barbels) around their mouths that have taste buds which aid in finding food. Like all North American catfishes, they make nests and protect their eggs and young. They are one of the largest catfish in North America reaching over five feet in length!