Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris

Identification
This catfish has a broad flat head and mottled brown coloration.

Location
Common statewide

Size
5 to 50 pounds

Diet
It feeds mainly on live fish.

Habitat
It occurs in large rivers and deep lakes.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is solitary and prefers deep cover. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer in cavities.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been present in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It is prized for its size.

Facts
It can reach very large sizes.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Fish crayfish | Large rivers deep lakes | Statewide