Catfish Species in Missouri

Madtoms

• The madtoms of Missouri are fish belonging to the genus Noturus. They are small, shy fish that possess a venom gland located at the base of the pectoral fin. The fin ends in a sharp spine, making the fish hard to handle. The tadpole madtom (Noturus gyrinus) is the most common species of madtom in Missouri. It lives in the northern half of the state and it grows to just 5 inches. Other madtoms in Missouri are species such as the slender madtom (Noturus exilis), stonecat (Noturus flavus) and the freckled madtom (Noturus nocturnus).

Bullheads

• Three species of catfish known as bullheads are found in Missouri waters. The brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) and the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) differ mostly in their coloring. These species feed upon whatever animal and plant matter they locate along the bottom of the water. The black bullhead is the largest of these three fish. The biggest specimens weigh as much as 8 lbs., according to the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Fishes."

Larger Catfish

• The largest of the Missouri catfish is the blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus). Adults average between three and 40 lbs., with some weighing up to 100 lbs. Their sides and backs are a silver-blue color. Blue catfish have great value as a food and sport fish in Missouri. The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) weighs as much as 34 lbs. but most are in the 1 to 15 lb. range. It features bluish to olive-brown coloring. The flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) takes its name from its flattened head. It is yellowish to brown in color. Flathead catfish feed on bugs when small but prefer larger prey such as crayfish and other fish when mature. Flatheads average between one and 45 lbs. in Missouri.

Habitat

• The Missouri madtoms usually take refuge in crevices between boulders and rocks on river bottoms and the deep pools of creeks. Bullheads inhabit streams, ponds, lakes, rivers and reservoirs in Missouri. Heavy vegetation and a muddy bottom are often features of their environment. The flathead catfish in Missouri swim in the bigger creeks, rivers and reservoirs, looking for cover such as logs and downed trees to hide near. Channel catfish are a common species in the rivers and streams -- as well as small lakes and ponds -- of the Missouri prairies and lowlands. The blue catfish swims in the large waterways like the Mississippi, Missouri and Osage Rivers.