The Channel Cat 



Channel Cat; Spotted Cat 



Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) 



Rivers of the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Valley, 

 and streams tributary to the Gulf of Mexico ; generally abundant 

 in the channels of the larger streams, especially southwestward. 



The channel cat has frequently been confused with the pre- 

 ceding species, and its geographic distribution and size have not 

 been definitely made out. It is certain, however, that while the 

 blue cat is a fish of sluggish waters and the lowlands, the 

 channel cat prefers the flowing water of the clearer, purer 

 streams. It does not reach" so great a size as the blue cat ; the 

 largest the writers have seen was about 2 feet long. It is doubtful if 

 this species exceeds 25 or 30 pounds in weight. 



It is not nearly so abundant as the blue cat in the Atchafalaya 

 River and elsewhere in the South, but in the Wabash, the 

 Tennessee, Cumberland and Gasconade, it is the more common 

 species. 



The manner of its capture is the same as for the blue cat. 



It is a trimmer, more active fish than any of the related 

 species, and, living as it does in clearer, more swiftly-flowing 

 water, it is more cleanly in its habits, and its flesh is rather 

 firmer, more flaky, and possibly somewhat better in flavour than 

 is that of any other catfish. 



The spawning time in the South begins in early April, while 

 in the Wabash it is in June. 



Head 4 in length of body; depth 5; body long and slender, 

 the back little elevated; A. 25 to 30; head rather small, narrow, 



