Catfish Family (Ictaluridae)

• No species are native to British Columbia

• Fossils show that catfish occurred in BC before glaciation.

• One species has been introduced to the Fraser Valley

• Two other species have been introduced elsewhere in British Columbia.

Identification Tips:

•Lack scales.
• 6 Prominent barbels project from head
•Fleshy adipose fin
•Spines: One in dorsal fin and in each pectoral fin

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Primary Information Source:
McPhail, J.D. 2007. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.