Flathead catfish

The flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), also called the mudcat, flatty, or shovelhead cat, is a large species of North American freshwater catfish. It is the only species of the genus Pylodictis. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, they have been widely introduced and are an invasive species in some areas. The closest living relative of the flathead is the widemouth blindcat, Satan eurystomus.

Description

Flatheads grow to a length of 155 cm (61 in) and may weigh up to 56 kg (123 lb), making it the second largest North American catfish (after the blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus). The average length is about 25-46 inches (64-117 cm). Their maximum recorded lifespan is 24 years. Males are mature from 16 cm (6.3 in) and 4 years of age while females mature from 18 cm (7.1 in) and 5 years of age, but may mature as late as 10 years. The world angling record flathead catfish was caught May 14, 1998, from Elk City Reservoir, Kansas, and weighed 123 lb 9 oz (56.0 kg).