How heavy is a big catfish?

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WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Common Name Scientific Name Maximum Weight Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus 40+ pounds Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris 100+ pounds Mekong Giant Catfish Pangasianodon gigas 600+ pounds Goonch Catfish Bagarius yarrelli 150+ pounds 6 more rows •
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Introduction

Catfish are a diverse group of freshwater fish known for their size and unique characteristics. In this article, we will explore the different species of catfish, their maximum weights, and some interesting facts about these fascinating creatures.

Species and Sizes

There are several species of catfish, each with its own maximum weight and size. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:

Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)

  • Common Name: Blue Catfish
  • Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus
  • Maximum Weight: 130+ pounds

Bullhead Catfish (Ameiurus spp.)

  • Common Name: Bullhead Catfish
  • Scientific Name: Ameiurus spp.
  • Maximum Weight: 3-4 pounds

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

  • Common Name: Channel Catfish
  • Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus
  • Maximum Weight: 40+ pounds

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)

  • Common Name: Flathead Catfish
  • Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris
  • Maximum Weight: 100+ pounds

Size and Age

Catfish can grow to impressive lengths and ages. Here are some examples:

20-inch Catfish

  • 20 inches in length
  • Weight: 2.86 pounds

20-year-old Catfish (Channel Catfish)

  • 20 Years Old
  • Length: 53.5 inches

Weight Measurement

When it comes to weight, catfish can vary depending on various factors. Here are some examples:

Fresh Catfish "Large" (Local Market)

  • Weight: 1.2kg

Edible Catfish

Catfish can make for a delicious meal, especially when they reach a certain size. Here’s what you need to know:

50lb Catfish

  • Generally, a channel catfish over 10 pounds is ideal for eating.
  • Anything over 20 pounds is considered a remarkable catch.

The World’s Heaviest Catfish

The world’s heaviest catfish is an astounding creature. Let’s find out more:

Mekong Giant Catfish

  • The Mekong giant catfish holds the title of the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world.
  • According to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest one ever recorded weighed an astounding 646 pounds and measured 9 feet in length.

Conclusion

From the massive Wels catfish to the impressive Mekong giant catfish, these creatures never fail to amaze us with their size and strength. Whether you’re an angler looking for a remarkable catch or simply curious about these incredible fish, the world of catfish is truly captivating.

FAQ

Can you eat a 50lb catfish?
Channel catfish have a top-end size of about 40 to 50 pounds but the world record weighed 58 pounds. Generally a channel catfish over 10 pounds is a solid fish that is ideal for eating and anything over 20 pounds is a remarkable catch.
Read more on captainexperiences.com
How old is a 100lb catfish?
“I thought maybe 30 years,” Halley said about his 104-pound blue cat. Halley said some people believed his cat was 100 years old, or more. It's common to see blue cats up 10 years of age, Jerry Brown director with the MDWFP, told the Clarion Ledger. Brown has seen some Mississippi blue cats up to 25 years old.
Read more on www.sportfishingmag.com
How old is a 70 lb catfish?
A 70 lb flat could be 40 or 50 years old, 123-pound fish could be older, but it could be in a fishery with more food. One common ingredient is good water quality seems to help the bigger ones grow.
Read more on bassonline.com
How big is a big catfish?
The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is a large species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 65 in (170 cm) and a weight of 165 lb (75 kg). The continent's largest, it can live to 20 years, with a typical fish being between 25–46 in (64–117 cm) and 30–70 lb (14–32 kg).
Read more on en.wikipedia.org