Ictalurus pricei
Yaqui Catfish
Identification
The Yaqui Catfish is very similar to the Channel Catfish but can be distinguished by its shorter pectoral spine, which goes 3-4 times into the predorsal length, compared to 2-3 times in Channel Catfish), and its shorter dorsal spine (2.5-4 times into the predorsal length, compared to 2.0-2.6 times in the Channel Catfish). Juveniles and females have many dark spots on a dark gray back and sides and are white below. Large males have a black back and sides and are gray below. 16-24 rakers on 1st gill arch, usually 11 pectoral fin rays. To 22 1/4 in. (57 cm) total length.
Range
The Yaqui Catfish occurs in the Rio Yaqui and Rio Casas Grandes drainages in northwestern Mexico and extreme southeastern Arizona. The species is rare and protected as a threatened species in the United States.
Distribution of Ictalurus pricei. © Larry Page
Habitat
The Yaqui Catfish lives in quiet water over sandy and rocky bottoms in small to medium rivers.
Similar Species
See Channel Catfish, I. punctatus, and Headwater Catfish, I. lupus.
About This Page
Page copyright © 2007
All Rights Reserved.
- First online 23 May 2007
- Content changed 23 May 2007
Citing this page:
Tree of Life Web Project. 2007. Ictalurus pricei . Yaqui Catfish. Version 23 May 2007 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Ictalurus_pricei/69936/2007.05.23 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
