White catfish:

[AndyS]

Identification

The White Catfish is normally gray to blue-black above - without a dark blotch at the dorsal fin base, white to light yellow below, and has a dusky black adipose fin and white or yellow chin barbels. Very large individuals are blue-black above and white or blue below. The White Catfish has a moderately forked caudal fin, and an anal fin with a short base, a rounded outline, and 22-25 rays. There are 11-15 fairly large sawlike teeth on the rear edge of the pectoral fin spine, and 18-21 rakers on the 1st gill arch. To 24 1/4 in. (62 cm).

Despite the name, white catfish sport a bluish coloring above with a silver-hued underside. They are not spotted like channel cats and do not possess a deeply forked tail like a bullhead.

White catfish feed on nearly all aquatic life, including other fish and insects. This species is prized for its excellent taste and firm, white meat.


NJ state record: 14 pound, 4 ounce white catfish