Flathead Catfish

← Back to the app

Pylodictis olivaris

Flathead Catfish, a reference photo
Photo: Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domain

The flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), also called by several common names including mudcat or shovelhead cat, is a large species of North American freshwater catfish in the family Ictaluridae. It is the only species of the genus Pylodictis. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, it has been widely introduced and is an invasive species in some areas. The closest living relative of the flathead catfish is the much smaller widemouth blindcat, Satan eurystomus, a cavefish.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Flathead Catfish being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Siluriformes
Family
Ictaluridae
Species
Pylodictis olivaris

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species