What is a Mud Catfish?
A Mud catfish is a Flathead catfish. Most people hear the two terms so much that they believe these are two separate species, but they are one and the same. The Mudcat is common among anglers in central America as this is where it is most found.
Mud Catfish Color
The Mud catfish comes in many different colors, which can be confusing for inexperienced anglers. Some of them are yellow or brown, but others have been discovered that are orange or black as well. These are the four primary colors of the Mud catfish. Paying attention to the rest of their appearance will help anglers determine if they have a Mud catfish.
Appearance
The Mud catfish has a flatter head than other species but shares many of the same characteristics that these fish are known for. It has barbells, does not have scales, and has long spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins that can easily puncture the skin.
Diet
Most catfish will eat a variety of things, such as live prey, algae and they will scavenge the bottom of the lake. Mud catfish, on the other hand, prefer to live solely off live prey. These fish will take their time finding live prey instead of eating whatever they can find.
Reproducing
These fish can reproduce at an alarming rate when compared to other fish. Mud catfish can lay up to 100,000 eggs at a time. Some fish will only lay 10,000-50,000 at a time, but this is still an astounding number, and it explains why this is such a common species of catfish in specific areas.
Like other species, the female will find the perfect nest before laying her eggs. Then, the male catfish will guard the nest so that the eggs do not fall prey to other fish. After approximately 10 days, thousands of baby catfish will be born.
Out of thousands of fish, however, only a few will make it to adulthood. Many of them will be on their own within a week or two, and many of those will fall prey to larger fish as they will no longer be protected by their parents. Although not all of them will survive, more than enough will to keep this species from ever becoming endangered.
Does Not School
Some catfish species are known to prefer schools, but this one prefers to be by themselves. They will spend their days or nights in secluded caves and underneath of driftwood by themselves. Often, these fish will not seek out another of their own species unless it is time for them to mate.
Found in Nature
In nature, the Mud catfish prefer deeper, murky waters. They also prefer a slow current instead of a fast one. Their color and them being found in muddy water is where they have gotten the name Mud catfish from.
Popular Sport Fish
The Mud catfish is one of the most popular species that fishermen are after when they want to land a nice sized trophy fish. It’s very common for these fish to weigh in at fifty pounds. Some have been caught that weigh over 100 pounds!
Related Video:
