Pylodictis olivaris

Invasion History

First Non-native North American Tidal Record: 1965
First Non-native West Coast Tidal Record:
First Non-native East/Gulf Coast Tidal Record: 1965

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General Invasion History:

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) have been introduced to reservoirs and rivers in inland portions of drainages in the West and Midwest. It has been introduced to drainages in 34 states, including parts of the Great Lakes basin, and many Atlantic coast rivers. There have been extensive introductions to the western edge of the Mississippi-Missouri River system, north and west to North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2018). This fish has not been introduced to Pacific estuarine waters to our knowledge.

North American Invasion History:

Invasion History on the West Coast:

The Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) was introduced to the Snake River in Idaho in 1943, and has spread through the Snake River basin in Oregon and Washington as well (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2023), but has not been reported from the mainstem of the Columbia River. Flathead Catfish were introduced to the Colorado River basin in 1940, in the Gila River, near Phoenix, and spread through the lower Colorado River, reaching California waters in the Imperial Reservoir in 1962 (Dill and Cordone 1997).

Invasion History on the East Coast:

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are native to Mississippi and Gulf drainages from Pennsylvania and North Dakota, south to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama to Mexico. Its native range may have included a small southern part of Great Lakes drainage (Page and Burr 1991), but it has recently expanded into or has been introduced to much of the Great Lakes watershed (Goodchild 1993; Fuller and Whelan 2021). Releases of Flathead Catfish on the Atlantic slope were a mixture of official, accidental or unauthorized stockings in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Flathead Catfish has also been introduced to western and Midwestern states, in the upper Columbia, Colorado, and Missouri basins. Altogether, this catfish has been introduced to non-native drainages in 34 states (Goodchild 1993; Guier et al. 1981; Page and Burr 1991; Thomas 1993; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2018).

Flathead Catfish are native to the Gulf of Mexico basin to east to the Mobile Bay basin in Alabama and Georgia. Around 1950, they were stocked in the Appalachicola River, and tributaries in Georgia. In the early to mid-1960s, fish and wildlife agencies in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia introduced Flathead Catfish to reservoirs, rivers, and hatcheries in non-native Gulf and Atlantic drainages (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2018). Flathead Catfish 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. A second release, of 12 fish, into the Occoquan reservoir, Virginia, established this catfish in the Potomac drainage (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Other releases in 1964–1965 occurred in South Carolina (Richard B. Russell Lake, upper Savannah River, South Carolina); Lake Marion-Santee River; North Carolina (upper and lower Cape Fear River) (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2018). Additional official and unofficial releases occurred in the Roanoke River (Virginia to North Carolina, 1965–1977), in the Cooper River (1991); in the Altamaha River system (1975–1980), and Satilla River, Georgia (Burkhead et al. 1980; Thomas 1993; USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2018). Although juveniles are rarely caught, sizes of record fishes increased through the 1980s (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).

The range of the Flathead Catfish has continued to expand along the East Coast. By 2003, according to the Washington Post fishing columns, fishermen were catching them in the mainstem of the Potomac. The Potomac populations were apparently derived from the stock established in the Occoquan Reservoir (Starnes et al. 2011). In July 2002, several juvenile Flathead Catfish were caught downriver of Safe Harbor Dam in Pennsylvania, about 50 km above tidal waters. This species is now established in the river, and can be expected to colonize upper Chesapeake Bay. People fishing 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, 7 Flathead Catfish were captured 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). However, they are less common in brackish water than the White, Channel, or Blue Catfish (Murdy et al. 1997).

In the Delaware River system, the Flathead Catfish was first collected in 1999, in the Blue Marsh reservoir, on the Schuylkill River, 120 km upstream of Philadelphia PA. This catfish is now established in the Delaware River system. Currently, this catfish has been collected from the New York State border, far above the head of tide at Trenton, to Philadelphia (Brown et al. 2005; USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2018). The fish could have been introduced as a contaminant in a shipment of Channel Catfish, but illegal releases by fishermen are much more likely (Brown et al. 2005).

Invasion History on the Gulf Coast:

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are native to the Gulf of Mexico basin to east to the Mobile Bay basin in Alabama and Georgia. Around 1950, they were stocked in the Appalachicola River and tributaries in Georgia. In the early to mid-1960s, fish and wildlife agencies in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia introduced Flathead Catfish to reservoirs, rivers, and hatcheries in non-native Gulf and Atlantic drainages.  Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) were introduced to the Hillsborough River, Florida in 1975, the Escambia River in 1980, and many other Gulf of Mexico drainages (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2023).

Invasion History Elsewhere in the World:

Flathead Catfish have been introduced to 34 states and to Great Lakes tributaries in Ontario, Canada (Goodchild 1993; USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2023)

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Description

The Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is a large predatory freshwater catfish. Bullhead Catfishes (Ictaluridae) have four pairs of barbels, no scales, an adipose fin, stout spines at the origins of the dorsal and pectoral fins, and abdominal pelvic fins. As its name says, this fish has a wide, flat head. The lower lip protrudes beyond the upper jaw, and there is a premaxillary tooth patch inside the upper lip, with rearward extensions. The mouth is wide and terminal. The eye is relatively small. The adipose fin is short and relatively high. The caudal fin is slightly notched. The pectoral spine is nearly straight, and serrated posteriorly roughened anteriorly. The dorsal fin has one spine and 6 rays, while the anal fin has 14–17 rays. The record specimen is 1550 mm, but more usual large sizes are 600 to 800 mm. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is white. The background color of the body is yellowish to purplish brown, with black or dark brown mottling dorsally, and white to yellow below (Burkhead et al. 1980; Page and Burr 1991; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993).

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Taxonomy

Ecology

General:

The Flathead Catfish tolerates a wide temperature range, from 33 °C to near freezing (Froese and Pauly 2014). However, its requirement for high temperatures for breeding may have prevented its colonization of Lake Superior (Fuller and Whelan 2021). Flathead Catfish are common in tidal fresh water, and occasionally found in brackish water (Murdy et al. 1997). In experiments, they tolerated gradual transfer to 14 PSU for 4 days, and seem to have a salinity tolerance similar to that of other ictalurid catfishes (Bringole et al. 2005). Young fish are found in rocky and sandy runs, but adults prefer large or small deep pools with debris (Page and Burr 1991; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). Young fish feed on insect larvae and small crustacaeans. Adults feed on clams, snails, large crustaceans and fishes, with fishes making up 99% of the biomass, in the Cape Fear River, North Carolina (Guier et al. 1981; Ashley and Buff 1987). Adults in the James River fed on River Herrings and American Shad (Alosa spp., 24% by weight), Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum, 48%), and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) (Schmitt et al. 2017). Feeding is opportunistic, and varies among rivers and years (Pine et al. 2005).

Food:

Fishes; mollusks; crustaceans

Consumers:

Humans

Trophic Status:

Carnivore

Carn

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Habitats

General Habitat	Nontidal Freshwater	None
General Habitat	Unstructured Bottom	None
General Habitat	Coarse Woody Debris	None
General Habitat	Tidal Fresh Marsh	None
General Habitat	Rocky	None
Salinity Range	Limnetic	0-0.5 PSU
Salinity Range	Oligohaline	0.5-5 PSU
Salinity Range	Mesohaline	5-18 PSU
Tidal Range	Subtidal	None
Vertical Habitat	Epibenthic	None
Vertical Habitat	Nektonic	None

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Life History

The Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris is a large predatory freshwater catfish. Males mature at 3–4 years, at sizes of 380–421 mm, and females at 4–5 years, and sizes of 485–529 mm (Carlander 1969; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Munger 1994). Spawning occurs in June and July in Virginia and Kansas, and in May in Texas, at 22–24 °C. Females can carry 6,900 to 11,300 eggs (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). The male clears a space on the substrate, or in a crevice, and often near a log or rock. The male guards the egg mass and the fry for several days after hatching (Rohde et al. 1994). A few fish have lived for as long as 19 years (Carlander 1969).

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Tolerances and Life History Parameters

Minimum Temperature (ºC)	0	based on geographical rnage
Maximum Temperature (ºC)	33	field, Froese and Pauly 2014
Minimum Salinity (‰)	0	This is a freshwater fish.
Maximum Salinity (‰)	14	Experimental
Minimum Reproductive Temperature	22	Jenkins and Burkhead 1994
Maximum Reproductive Temperature	29	Jenkins and Burkhead 1994
Minimum Reproductive Salinity	0	This is a freshwater fish.
Minimum Length (mm)	380	Males, Females 485 mm; Kansas, Carlander 1969
Maximum Length (mm)	1,550	Page and Burr 1991

General Impacts

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are large apex predators, sometimes exceeding 25 kg and 1000 mm (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). Their role as an apex predator, together with the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) affect the abundance and diversity of other fishes, including smaller catfishes (Sakaris et al. 2017). Heavy predation on migratory fish on the herring family affect fisheries, foodwebs, and the biodiversity of watersheds (Guier et al. 1983; Pine 2005; Brown et al. 2005; Schmitt et al. 2017). Flathead Catfish attract some fishers for its spectacular size and sporting qualities, but are dreaded by conservationists and fisheries biologists for their effects on native species, and for its demonstrated ability to colonize river systems from introductions of a few individuals (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Brown et al. 2005).

Economic Impacts

Fisheries- 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, North Carolina (Guier et al. 1981) and the Altamaha River, Georgia (Thomas 1993) and other Georgia rivers (Fuller et al. 1999). Rapid proliferation of Flathead Catfish and intense predation has led to a decline of smaller, more catchable centrarchids (sunfishes, crappies) and bullheads (Ameiurus spp.). Flathead Catfish, while an attractive sportfish, are caught by fewer fishers (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). Flathead Catfish have 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

Predation- Impacts of Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) appear to be increasing as the population and range of this predator spreads (Garman et al. 2010). In the James River, Virginia, the diet of Flathead catfish were dominated by Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) (Schmitt et al. 2017). Feeding is opportunistic, and vary with the local fish community. Ashley and Buff (1987) noted heavy predation on adult American Shad (A. sapidissima) during their migration in March and April, in the Altamaha River, Georgia. Introductions to the Cape Fear River, North Carolina (Ashley and Buff 1987; Guier et al. 1981) and the Altmaha River, Georgia (Thomas 1993), and several other Georgia rivers (Fuller et al. 1999) have had dramatic effects on fish communities, eliminating or drastically reducing abundance of many middle-level predators such as bullhead and White Catfish (Ameiurus spp.) and sunfishes (Lepomis spp). Introduction of Flathead Catfish in North Carolina led to decline of other fishes (Guier et al. 1981). There is not much information on the impact of Flathead Catfish on brackish estuaries, but Ashley and Buff (1987) listed 'crabs' and Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) among the prey found. Predation on endangered Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser oxurhynchus , A. brevirostris) is a conservation concern, but is difficult to document. However, one Atlantic Sturgeon was found in the gut of a Flathead Catfish in the Satilla River, Georgia, which is significant, given the rarity of sturgeons (Flowers et al. 2012).

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Regional Impacts

S020	Pamlico Sound		Ecological Impact	Predation
In the Tar River, a Pamlico Sound tributary, native catfishes, White Catfish (Ameiurus catus),(Black Bullhead (A. melas);  A. nebulosus (Brown Bullhead), Flat Bullhead (A. platycephalus), Snail Bullhead (A. brunneus) have declined, apparently due to Flathead Catfish predation (Van Middlesworth et al. 2020).
S050	Cape Fear River		Ecological Impact	Predation
Pylodictis olivaris is regarded as a major predator in the lower Cape Fear River. The growth of the flathead population was accompanied by decline of native bullhead catfish (Ameiurus spp. Diet studies have indicated that catfish, herrings (Alosa spp.) and sunfishes were the most frequent prey (Guier et al. 1981; Ashley and Buff 1987; Pine et al. 2005). However, these prey appear to be chosen according to their abundance, so feeding was not selective (Pine et al. 2005).  The largest fishes, over 600 mm, had a diet to 94% fish by weight (Belkoski et al. 2021).
S050	Cape Fear River		Economic Impact	Fisheries
Flathead Catfish are a major sport fish in the Cape Fear River. One method of fishing is unique to North Carolina it is legal to catch them using a hand-cranked magneto from early 20th century telephones. Flatheads are especially vulnerable to the electric current (Mary Moser, 1997, personal communication). However, the effect of predation on smaller gamefishes, including other catfishes, American Shad, and sunfishes (Guier et al. 1984; Ashley and Buff 1987; Pine et al. 2005).
M130	Chesapeake Bay		Economic Impact	Fisheries
'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. Popularity of the fishery in the James and Rappahannock Rivers has continued to increase.
S150	Altamaha River		Ecological Impact	Predation
During a period of increasing Flathead Catfish populations, abundance of Bullhead Catfishes (Ameiurus spp.) and Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) declined in Altamaha River (Thomas 1993).
G130	Pensacola Bay		Ecological Impact	Predation
During the expansion of the Flathead Catfish population, declines were observed in the native Spotted Bullhead (Ameiurus serracanthus) (Dobbins et al. 2012).
M130	Chesapeake Bay		Ecological Impact	Predation
In the James River, Virginia, Flathead Catfish fed exclusively on fishes. Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum and Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) were the most important fish prey in the James River during the spring migration (Schmitt et al. 2017). In a year-round study, the James and York Rivers, 28 species of fishes were consumed, but Gizzard Shad and White Perch (Morone americana) dominated (Schmitt et al. 2019).
FL	Florida		Ecological Impact	Predation
During the expansion of the Flathead Catfish population, declines were observed in the native Spotted Bullhead (Ameiurus serracanthus) (Dobbins et al. 2012).
NC	North Carolina		Ecological Impact	Predation
Pylodictis olivaris is regarded as a major predator in the lower Cape Fear River. The growth of the flathead population was accompanied by decline of native bullhead catfish (Ameiurus spp. Diet studies have indicated that catfish, herrings (Alosa spp.) and sunfishes were the most frequent prey (Guier et al. 1981; Ashley and Buff 1987; Pine et al. 2005). However, these prey appear to be chosen according to their abundance, so feeding was not selective (Pine et al. 2005).  The largest fishes, over 600 mm. had a diet of  94% fish, by weight (Belkoski et al. 2021).
NC	North Carolina		Economic Impact	Fisheries
Flathead Catfish are a major sport fish in the Cape Fear River. One method of fishing is unique to North Carolina it is legal to catch them using a hand-cranked magneto from early 20-th century telephones. Flatheads are especially vulnerable to the electric current (Mary Moser, 1997, personal communication). However, the effect of predation on smaller gamefishes, including other catfishes, American Shad, and sunfishes is substantial (Guier et al. 1984; Ashley and Buff 1987; Pine et al. 2005).
GA	Georgia		Ecological Impact	Predation
A Flathead Catfish with an Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) in its stomach; was caught at he lowhead dam at Juliette GA, on the Altamaha River (lower) (1994, USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2013)
MD	Maryland		Economic Impact	Fisheries
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are relatively uncommon in Maryland, compared to Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), and are known from only a few sites in the Upper Bay amd Potomac.  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks fishers to remove and kill Flatheads (https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/catfish.aspx)
MD	Maryland		Ecological Impact	Predation
Predation on native fishes is likely in Maryland waters, but not well- documented. However, predation on native River Herrings (Alosa spp,) is well-documented in the James River, and is likely to occur in Maryland waters (Schmitt et al. 2017).
DE	Delaware		Economic Impact	Fisheries
The Flathead Catfish (Pylodicitis olivaris) has become a popular sportfish in the Delaware River, as indicated by websites The state of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, require or encourage fishers to kill this fish, and not return it to the water (https://fishspecies.dnrec.delaware.gov/FishSpecies.aspxhabitat=1&species=33.  https://seagrant.psu.edu/resources/resource-item/flathead-catfish/)
S020	Pamlico Sound		Economic Impact	Fisheries
In North Carolina, Flathead Catfish are considered invasive, nongame fishes, with no limitations on fishing methods, including 'grabbling' (hand capture), traps, jug-hooks, archery, etc. (Van Middlesworth et al. 2020).
VA	Virginia		Ecological Impact	Predation
In the James River, Virginia, Flathead Catfish fed exclusively on fishes. Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) were the most important fish prey in the James River during the spring migration (Schmitt et al. 2017). In a year-round study, the James and York Rivers, 28 species of fishes were consumed, but Gizzard Shad and White Perch (Morone americana) dominated (Schmitt et al. 2019).
S080	Charleston Harbor		Economic Impact	Fisheries
Described as a popular sport fish by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/species/flatheadcatfish.html#:~:text=The%20flathead's%20body%20is%20mottled,the%20Coastal%20Plain%20and%20Piedmont.
S100	St. Helena Sound		Economic Impact	Fisheries
Described as a popular sportfish- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/species/flatheadcatfish.html#:~:text=The%20flathead's%20body%20is%20mottled,the%20Coastal%20Plain%20and%20Piedmont.
S160	St. Andrew/St. Simons Sounds		Economic Impact	Fisheries
(9/6/2010, Flowers et al. 2012, a fish with Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus in stomach)
S160	St. Andrew/St. Simons Sounds		Ecological Impact	Predation
(9/6/2010, Flowers et al. 2012, a fish with Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus in stomach)
SC	South Carolina		Economic Impact	Fisheries
Described as a popular sport fish by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/species/flatheadcatfish.html#:~:text=The%20flathead's%20body%20is%20mottled,the%20Coastal%20Plain%20and%20Piedmont.
VA	Virginia		Economic Impact	Fisheries
'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. Popularity of the fishery in the James and Rappahannock Rivers has continued to increase.
M090	Delaware Bay		Economic Impact	Fisheries
The states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware encourage or require fishers to kill Flathead Catish, and not release them alive.  Websites indicate that this fish is a populat gamefish for its size and flavor.

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: 93-99

Belkoski, David J.; Drzewicki, Maya; Scharf, Frederick S. (2021) Specialized feeding patterns and marine resource use by nonnative catfishes in a coastal river ecosystem revealed by dietary and stable isotopic analyse, Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 13: 564–582
DOI: 10.1002/mcf2.10180

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(4): 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. <missing location>

Dahlberg, Michael D., Scott, Donald C. (1971) Introductions of freshwater fishes in Georgia, Bulletin of the Georgia Academy of Science 29(245-252): <missing location>

Dill, William A.; Cordone, Almo J. (1997) History And Status Of Introduced Fishes In California, 1871-1996: Conclusions, Fisheries 22(10): 15-18, 35

Dobbins, D. A.; Cailteux, R. L .; Midway, S. R. ; Leone, E. H. (2012) Long-term impacts of introduced flathead catfish on native ictalurids in a north Florida, USA, river, Fisheries Management and Ecology 19: 434-440

Flowers, H. Jared; Bonvechio, Timothy F.; Peterson, Douglas L. (2012) Observation of Atlantic Sturgeon predation by a Flathead Catfish, Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140: 250-252

Froese, R.; Pauly, D. (Editors). 2002-2024 FishBase.(World Wide Web electronic publication).. <missing URL>



Fuller, Pam. L.; Nico, Leo; Williams, J. D. (1999) Nonindigenous fishes introduced into inland waters of the United States, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda MD. Pp. <missing location>

Fuller; . Pam L.; Whelan, Gary E (2021) The flathead catfish invasion of the Great Lakes, Journal of Great Lakes Research 44(5): 1081-1092

Garman, Greg; McIninch, Steve; Hopler, David 2010 Status of Flathead Catfish in Chesapeake Bay rivers. <missing URL>



Goodchild, Cheryl D. (1993) Status of the Flathead Catfish, Pylodictis olivaris, in Canada, Canadian Field-Naturalist 107(4): 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, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. Pp. <missing location>

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, North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh. Pp. <missing location>

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, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.. Pp. 57-289

Page, Lawrence M.; Burr, Brooks M. (1991) Freshwater Fishes: North America North of Mexico, Houghton-Mifflin, Boston. Pp. <missing location>

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 2002 Information Paper: Flathead Catfish <i>Pylodictis olivaris</i>. <missing URL>



Pine, William E. III; Kwak, Thomas J.; Waters, D. Scott; Rice, James A. (2005) Diet selectivity of introduced flathead catfish in coastal rivers, Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 134: 901-909,

Rohde, Fred C.; Arndt, Rudolf G.; Lindquist, David G.; Parnell, James F. (1994) Freshwater fishes of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Delaware, Universilty of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill NC. Pp. <missing location>

Sakaris, Peter C. ; Bonvechio, Timothy F. ; Bowen, Bryant R. (2017) Relative Abundance, Growth, and Mortality of the White Catfish, Ameiurus catus L., in the St. Marys River, Southeastern Naturalist 16(3): 331-342
https://doi.org/10.1656/058.016.0319

Schmitt, Joseph D. ; Hallerman, Eric M. (2017) Predation and Prey Selectivity by Nonnative Catfish on Migrating Alosines in an Atlantic Slope Estuary, Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 9: 108-125
DOI: 10.1080/19425120.2016.1271844

Schmitt, Joseph D. Emmel, Jason A. Bunch, Aaron J. Hilling, Corbin D. Orth, Donald J (2019) Feeding ecology and distribution of an invasive apex predator: Flathead Catfish in subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, North American Journal of Fisheries Management 39: 390-402
https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.1027

Starnes, Wayne C.; Odenkirk, John; Ashton, Matthew J. (2011) Update and analysis of fish occurrences in the lower Potomac River drainage in the vicinity of Plummers Island, Maryland—Contribution XXXI to the natural history of Plummers Island, Maryland, Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 124: 280-309

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

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program 2003-2024 Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/



Van Middlesworth, T. D.; Ricks, B. R. (2021) Assessment of Tar River catfish populations, 2020, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration, Ralaeigh NC. Pp. <missing location>

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