Catfish are a diverse group of fish named for their prominent barbells, which give the image of cat-like whiskers. There are armour-plated types and also […] The native distribution of blue catfish is primarily in the Mississippi River drainage, including the Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Arkansas Rivers, … Enjoying Blue Catfish. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the largest species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb).The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is widespread throughout the Mobile basin and Tennessee River system in its Alabama range.Commercial fishermen catch large numbers of blue catfish with baited trotlines, fish boxes, and hoop nets, and they are also popular with anglers. The Blue Catfish has a deeply forked tail and typically has a bluish-gray body above, fading to white on its sides and belly. Read on to learn about the Blue Catfish. Some of its closest relatives include the bullhead catfish, channel catfish, and more. It is the largest species of catfish in North America. Managers hope to increase public awareness of blue catfish. Spawning: Spawning usually takes place in late May or early June when the water temperature reaches 75 degrees F. Hollow logs, overhanging underwater ledges or holes under mud banks are typical nesting places. The Siluriformes order contains the thousands of different species of catfish on Earth. They will even eat some plant matter, but as they grow they feed more and more on live fish. Species such as the jackknife fish (Equetus lanceolatus), high-hat (Equetus acuminatus) and some angel fishes (Pomacanthidae), have dark lines that run through the eyes.These lines may serve to hide the eyes so that other animals can not tell where the fish is looking or even if it is a fish. Fish can also have disruptive markings to hide body parts. The fish can live to 20 years. Females lay about 10,000 eggs each. Blue catfish. Blue catfish feed primarily on fish, mussels, snails, insects and crayfish. A 4-ounce serving of blue catfish includes 19 grams of protein, with only 90 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. The Blue Catfish is a species in the large taxonomic order Siluriformes. A catfish has a few adaptations to help them see and feed in the darkness of the water. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Catfish are found primarily in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except Antarctica.Some species from the families Ariidae and Plotosidae are also found in marine environments. Blue catfish are opportunistic predators and scavengers along the bottom of reservoirs or large rivers feeding on fish, crustaceans, insects, and mollusks—dead or alive. Blue catfish, the invasive fish with a big appetite that is overwhelming many Chesapeake Bay tributaries, is probably here to stay. 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