Description
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animalia | Chordata | Osteichthyes | Siluriformes | Ictaluridae | Pylodictis |
Synonyms
Invasion History
Chesapeake Bay Status
| First Record | Population | Range | Introduction | Residency | Source Region | Native Region | Vectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Established | Expanding | Introduced | Regular Resident | North America | North America | Fisheries(Fisheries Accidental) |
History of Spread
Pylodictis olivaris (Flathead Catfish ) is native to Mississippi and Gulf drainages from PA and ND, south to Gulf, AL to Mexico. Its native range includes a small southern part of Great Lakes drainage (Page and Burr 1991), but it has recently expanded into or has been introduced to Canadian waters of Lake Erie (Goodchild 1993). Releases of P. olivaris on the Atlantic slope were mostly accidental or unauthorized (VA, NC, GA). Pylodictis olivaris has also been introduced to CA, AZ, NM, CO, ID, WA. amd OR. Altogether, P. olivaris has been introduced to non-native drainages in 18 states (Goodchild 1993; Guier et al. 1981; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Florida Caribbean Science Center 2001; Page and Burr 1991; Thomas 1993).
Pylodictis olivaris were imported by Virginia Division of Fish and Game (VDIFG) in the 1960s and kept in ponds at Hog Island Game Refuge for research. The first release into the James estuary in 1965 was accidental, due to floods. Pylodictis olivaris were also released, deliberately in the Roanoke drainage to the south. VA populations appear to be established. Although juveniles are rarely caught; sizes of record fishes increased through the 80's (Burkhead et al. 1980; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). This species seems to have a remarkable ability to start populations from very small stockings (12-50 fish) (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993).
James River- Pylodictis olivaris was accidentally released 1965 at Hog Island Wildlife Refuge (~ 50 fish); a population was established. Catches in the upper James in the Blue Ridge-Allegheny region (starting in 1983) were probably due to a separate, undocumented introduction (Burkhead et al. 1980; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). Catches of large P. olivaris in the James River were mentioned in ocasionally in fishing columns of the Washington Post in the summers of 1995-2000, though much less frequantly than those of Ictalurus furatus (Blue Catfish).
Potomac River- Twelve P. olivaris were stocked in Occoquan Reservoir, and a population was established (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). By 2003, according to the Washington Post fishing columns, fishermen were catching them in the mainstem of the Potomac.
Susquehanna River- In July, 2002, several juvenile P. olivaris were caught downriver of Safe Harbor Dam in PA, about 50 km above tidal waters. This species is apparently now established in the river, and can be expected to colonize upper Chesapeake Bay. Fishermen have been asked not to release any fish that they catch. The source of these fish is not known (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 2002). In 2004, 7P. olivaris were caputrued in the West Fishlift of Conowingo Dam, just above the tidal portion of the Susquehanna (Brown et al. 2005). They are now regularly caught in the tidal Susquehanna and in upper Eastern Shore Tributaries (Garman et al. 2010).
Delaware River- Pylodictis olivaris was first collected in the Blue Marsh reservoir, on the Schuyllkill River, 120 km upstream of Philadelphia PA. This catfish is now established in the Delaware River system (Florida Caribbean Science Center 2002). Currently, this catfish has been collected from the mouth of Delware & Raritan Canal at Lambertville NJ, above the head of tide at Trenton, to Philadelphia (Brown et al. 2005). The fish could have been introduced as a contaminant in a shipment of Ictalurus punctatus (Channel Catfish), but illegal releases by fishermen are much more likely (Brown et al. 2005).
History References - Burkhead et al. 1980; Brown et al. 2005; Florida Caribbean Science Center 2000; Goodchild 1993; Guier et al. 1981; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Page and Burr 1991; Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; Thomas 1993
Invasion Comments
Vector(s) of Introduction- Pylodictis olivaris was stocked in holding ponds at the Hog Island Game Refuge and escaped into James estuary during floods. Subsequent, it was deliberately stocked in Occoquan Reservoir, Potomac drainage (Burkhead et al. 1980). Newly established populations in the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers may have been introduced with contaminated stocks of Ictalurus punctatus (Florida Caribbean Science Center 2002).
Range Status- This fish is 'expected to spread widely in the James and Roanoke rivers. ...Following establishment, it dispersed rapidly and widely in the Cape Fear River, NC' (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993).
Ecology
Environmental Tolerances
| For Survival | For Reproduction | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| Temperature (ºC) | 22.0 | 23.9 | ||
| Salinity (‰) | 0.0 | 14.0 | 0.0 | |
| Oxygen | hypoxic | |||
| pH | ||||
| Salinity Range | fresh-meso |
Age and Growth
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Adult Size (mm) | 380.0 | 485.0 |
| Typical Adult Size (mm) | 700.0 | 700.0 |
| Maximum Adult Size (mm) | 1400.0 | 1410.0 |
| Maximum Longevity (yrs) | 24.0 | 24.0 |
| Typical Longevity (yrs | 12.0 | 12.0 |
Reproduction
| Start | Peak | End | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reproductive Season | |||
| Typical Number of Young Per Reproductive Event |
|||
| Sexuality Mode(s) | |||
| Mode(s) of Asexual Reproduction |
|||
| Fertilization Type(s) | |||
| More than One Reproduction Event per Year |
|||
| Reproductive Startegy | |||
| Egg/Seed Form |
Impacts
Economic Impacts in Chesapeake Bay
Economic impacts of Pylodictis olivaris have not been reported from the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and might have been limited by low abundance in invaded tributaries (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). 'Good flavor and large size have made the flathead catfish popular among anglers.' (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). Catches of several large fish in the James River were mentioned in fishing columns of the Washington Post in the summer of 1995. Ictalurus furcatus (Blue Catfish) appears to be much more abundant and more frequently caught in the James (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993), and is more frequently mentioned by name in newspaper fishing reports.
References - Jenkins and Burkhead 1993
Economic Impacts Outside of Chesapeake Bay
Pylodictis olivaris (Flathead Catfish) is a popular sportfish because of its spectacular size. However, in a number of U.S. rivers, negative impacts are well documented (Fuller et al. 1999). Examples include the Cape Fear River, NC (Guier et al. 1981) and the Altmaha River, GA (Thomas 1993) and other GA rivers (Fuller et al. 1999). Rapid proliferation of P.olivaris and intense predation has led to a decline of smaller, more catchable centrarchids (sunfishes, crappies) and bullheads (Ameirus spp.). Pylodictis olivaris, while an attractive sportfish, are caught by fewer fisherman (Thomas 1993). This fish should probably be regarded as a risky introduction. This species attractions as a sportfish and its apparent ability to colonize river systems from very small stockings (11-50 individuals) means that unauthorized stockings by fisherman are a serious problem (Guier et al. 1981; Thomas 1993). Pylodictis olivaris has been introduced to non-native drainages in 18 states (Fuller et al. 1999).
References- Fuller et al. 1999; Guier et al. 1981; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Thomas 1993.
Ecological Impacts on Chesapeake Native Species
Impacts of Pylodictis olivaris (Flathead Catfish) in Chesapeake Bay appear to be increasing as the population and range of this predator spreads (Garman et al. 2010). Negative effects of introduction in the James River were not noted by Jenkins and Burkhead (1993). However, the effects of introduced predatory catfishes [Ictalurus punctatus (Channel), Ictalurus furcatus (Blue), and P. olivaris) on Alosa sapidissima (American Shad) are being studied in the James River (Garman 1999, pers. comm.). Introductions to the Cape Fear River, NC (Ashley and Buff 1987; Guier et al. 1981) and the Altmaha River, GA (Thomas 1993), and several other GA rivers (Fuller et al. 1999) have had dramatic effects on fish communities, eliminating or drastically reducing abundance of many middle-level predators such as Ameiurus spp. (bullheads and White Catfish), and Lepomis spp. sunfishes.
Competition - Introduction of Pylodictus olivaris led to decline of other fishes, especially catfishes in NC (Guier et al. 1981). However, the frequency of the large Ictalurus furcatus (Blue Catfish) in the stomachs suggests that the earlier decline of native Bullheads (Amieurus spp. before the study was probably due to predation rather than competition.
Predation - Guier et al. (1981) found a wide variety of fishes in stomach contents of P. olivaris, especially catfishes and centrarchids. Ashley and Buff (1987) noted heavy predation on adult A. sapidissima) during their migration in March and April. Other catfish, including native Amieurus catus (White Catfish), were a major food item. Native Bullheads (Amieurus nebulosus (Brown Bullhead); A. natalis (Yellow Bullhead); A. brunneus (Snail Bullhead) were rarely seen in stomach contents, having apparently been greatly reduced earlier by P. olivaris' predation (Guier et al.1981; Ashley and Buff 1987). Thomas (1993) found that P. olivaris' introduction in the Altmaha River, GA was followed by a dramatic decline in Amieurus spp. and Lepomis auritis (Redbreast Sunfish). There is not much information on the impact of P. olivaris on estuaries, but Ashley and Buff (1987) listed 'crabs' and Paralichthys lethostigma (southern flounder) among the prey found.
References - Ashley and Buff 1987; Fuller et al. 1999; Garman 1999, personal communication; Guier et al. 1981; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Thomas 1993.
Ecological Impacts on Other Chesapeake Non-Native Species
Negative effects of the Flathead Catifish's introduction on other introduced species, in the James River were not noted by Jenkins and Burkhead (1993).
Competition - Competition with introduced Ictalurus punctatus (Channel Catfish) and I. furcatus (Blue Catfish) is possible, but predation appears to have been a more important factor in their decline in the Cape Fear River, NC; based on the high frequency of I. furcatus in the stomachs (Ashley and Buff 1987; Guier et al 1981).
Predation - Pylodictis olivaris is not specifically reported to feed on Corbicula fluminea (Asian Freshwater Clam, but did feed to some extent on bivalves. It is an important predator on the introduced catfish I. punctatus and I. furcatus and the centrarchids Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill), L. microlophus (Redear Sunfish), and Pomoxis nigromaculatus (Black Crappie) in the Cape Fear River, NC (Ashley and Buff 1987; Guier et al. 1981).
References - Ashley and Buff 1987; Guier et al. 1981.
References
Ashley, Keith W.; Buff, Bobby (1987) Food habits of flathead catfish in the Cape Fear River, North Carolina, Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 41: 93-99Becker, George C. (1983) Fishes of Wisconsin, , Madison. Pp.
Bringole, Robert B.; Kwak, Thomas J.; Cope, Gregory W.; Larimore, Michael S. (2005) Salinity tolerance of flathead catfish: implications for dispersal of introduced populations., Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 134: 927-936
Brown, J. Jed: Perillo, Joseph; Kwak, Thomas J.; Horwitz, Richard J. (2005) Implications of Pylodictis olivaris Flathead Catfish introduction into the Delaware and Susquehanna drainages., Northeastern Naturalist 12: 473-484
Burkhead, Noel M.; Jenkins, Robert E.; Maurakis, Eugene G. (1980) New records, distribution, and diagnostic characters of Virginia ictalurid catfishes with an adnexed adipose fin, Brimleyana 4: 75-91
Carlander, Kenneth D. (1969) Handbook of freshwater fishery biology. Vol. 1., In: (Eds.) . , Ames. Pp.
Carlander, Kenneth D. (1977) Handbook of Freshwater Fishery Biology. , In: (Eds.) Handbook of Freshwater Fishery Biology, Volume Two: Life History Data on Centrarchid Fishes of the U.S & Canada. , Ames. Pp. Ames
Cope, Edward Drinker (1879) The Fishes of Pennsylvania, In: (Eds.) Report of the State Commisioners of Fisheries. , Harrisburg. Pp.
2002 Nonindigenous aquatic species. Web page: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpFactSheet.asp?speciesID=1261
Fuller, Pam. L.; Nico, Leo; Williams, J. D. (1999) Nonindigenous fishes introduced into inland waters of the United States, , Bethesda MD. Pp.
2010 Status of Flathead Catfish in Chesapeake Bay rivers. PowerPoint presentation, archive.chesapeakebay.net/.../49012_12-01-10_Presentation_4_11059.pdf
Goodchild, Cheryl D. (1993) Status of the Flathead Catfish, Pylodictis olivaris, in Canada, Canadian Field-Naturalist 107: 410-416
Guier, C. R.; Nichols, L. E.; Rachels, R. T. (1981) Biological investigation of flathead catfish in the Cape Fear River, Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 35: 607-621
Jenkins, Robert E.; Burkhead, Noel M. (1993) Freshwater fishes of Virginia., , Bethesda, MD. Pp.
Lee, David S.; Gilbert, Carter R.; Hocutt, Charles H.; Jenkins, Robert E.; McAllister, Don E.; Stauffer, Jay R. (1980) Atlas of North American Freshwater Fishes, , Raleigh. Pp.
Munger, Charles R.; Wilde, Gene R.; Follis, Billy J. (1994) Flathead catfish age and maturation in Texas, North American Journal of Fisheries Management 14: 403-408
Murdy, Edward O.; Birdsong, Ray S.; Musick, John A. (1997) Fishes of Chesapeake Bay, , Washington, D.C.. Pp. 57-289
Page, Lawrence M.; Burr, Brooks M. (1991) Freshwater Fishes., , Boston. Pp.
2002 Information Paper: Flathead Catfish <i>Pylodictis olivaris</i>. Web page: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/flathinf.htm
Thomas, Matthew E. (1993) Monitoring the effects of introduced flathead catfish on sportfish populations in the Altmaha River, Georgia, Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 47: 531-538