White Catfish

The white catfish (Ameiurus catus), a member of the Ictaluridae family, is native to river systems along the East coast of the United States. The species was introduced to the West coast in 1874 and again in 1932, when individuals were transported to the Sacramento River and Columbia Rivers, respectively. Adults typically are 300 to 330 mm in length but can reach up to 620 mm. The species is a dark grey-blue on the dorsal side fading to a white or yellow ventrally. Surveys often find white catfish as the most abundant species in several regions, including the Sacramento Delta and the Yolo Bypass. White catfish are carnivorous bottom feeders, eating amphipods, shrimp, and insect larvae before transitioning to larger prey such as fish and invertebrates as they grow. Prey type and availability influence their growth rate and size. They typically reach maturity at about 20 to 21 cm in length, or roughly 3 to 4 years old. Spawning occurs from June to September, with females laying approximately 2,000 to 3,000 eggs. Males build nests in sand or gravel and guard their young for a short period of time after hatching.

Fun Fact: The white catfish grows to the smallest sizes of all catfish species in North America.