Ictalurus lupus
Headwater Catfish
Larry PageIdentification
The Headwater Catfish is very similar to the Channel Catfish but can be distinguished by having a deeper caudal peduncle and a broader head, mouth and snout. To 19 in. (48 cm) total length.
Range
Within the U.S., the Headwater Catfish is restricted to the Rio Grande drainage, including the Pecos River system in southeastern New Mexico and the Devils River in southern Texas. Also found in northeastern New Mexico. It is locally common.
Distribution of Ictalurus lupus © Larry Page
Habitat
The Headwater Catfish lives in sandy and rocky riffles, runs and pools of clear creeks and small rivers.
Similar Species
See account for the Channel Catfish, I. punctatus. The similar Yaqui Catfish, I. pricei is darker in color and has a shorter anal fin base.
About This Page
Larry Page
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida, USA
Correspondence regarding this page should be directed to Larry Page at and Griffin Sheehy at
Page copyright © 2007 Larry Page
All Rights Reserved.
- First online 23 May 2007
- Content changed 23 May 2007
Citing this page:
Page, Larry. 2007. Ictalurus lupus . Headwater Catfish. Version 23 May 2007 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Ictalurus_lupus/69934/2007.05.23 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
