Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, the head is flattened dorsoventrally, the body is flattened laterally; body is scaleless; color bluish to gray above, white below; sharp, thick serrated spine in dorsal fin and both pectoral fins; 1st ray of dorsal and pectoral fins not elongated; adipose fin present; 3 pair of long round barbels on chin and mouth. |
Similar Species |
The gafftopsail catfish has 2 pair of flattened barbels (hardheads have 3 pair of round barbels), its 1st dorsal and pectoral fin rays are elongated; the blue catfish, a freshwater catfish that ventures into brackish waters, has 4 pair of barbels. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, common to most habitats |
Maximum Size |
70 cm (27 1/2 in), common to 40 cm (15 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. I,7; A. 16 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |