The White Catfish bears a striking resemblance to the Channel Catfish, but it possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart. One key feature is its tail fin, which is forked, with the upper lobe sometimes slightly longer than the lower lobe. The anal fin of the White Catfish is shorter than that of the Channel Catfish and typically consists of 18-24 rays. Furthermore, the head and mouth of the White Catfish are generally larger and wider compared to its channel-dwelling cousin. It also exhibits moderate to strong serrations on the posterior edge of its pectoral spines. Another distinguishing factor is the presence of light chin barbels. Young White Catfish lack the black spots commonly found on other species. Additionally, shorter barbels can be observed at the corners of their mouths, roughly twice the length of the barbels near their nostrils. In terms of coloration, White Catfish are typically dark gray, sometimes exhibiting a brownish hue on the back, fading to light gray on the sides and eventually transitioning to white on the belly. It is worth noting that adults often display blue outer edges around their eyes.
White Catfish can vary in size, with the average length ranging from 8 to 17 inches. However, state surveys have reported maximum lengths of up to 21.7 inches, and there have been records of exceptionally large specimens measuring as much as 37 inches. The current world record for the largest White Catfish caught stands at an impressive 18.9 pounds.
Native to the Atlantic coastal regions of the United States, spanning from New York to Florida, the White Catfish has been introduced to numerous other areas. In Connecticut, they can be found throughout all major drainage areas, with particularly strong populations in the lower reaches of prominent rivers such as the Connecticut, Housatonic, Pawcatuck, and Thames. They have also established self-sustaining populations in many lakes and ponds, most of which came into existence since the 1960s. While their presence varies, White Catfish are generally uncommon to abundant wherever they are found.
White Catfish exhibit specific preferences when it comes to their habitat. They tend to favor backwaters, slow-moving sections of larger rivers and streams, as well as lakes and ponds. Interestingly, they appear to be more tolerant of brackish water than their Channel Catfish counterparts. This adaptability may explain why White Catfish outnumber Channel Catfish primarily in the southern part of the Connecticut River. Anglers targeting White Catfish often find success using bait such as worms or fish, particularly when placed on the bottom. These nocturnal feeders are more active during the night, although they can also be caught during the day.
It is important to highlight that positively identifying very large White Catfish can be challenging, even for trained biologists. This difficulty leads to instances where angler-caught "white catfish" weighing over 10 pounds are likely misidentified Channel Catfish. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution when determining the species based solely on size.