Knowknow your your Catfish catfish Catfish are easily recognized, even by 3. Barbels (whiskers): Four whiskers are non-anglers. The whiskers are the giveaway. located on the upper jaw of the catfish and They have other similar characteristics. two whiskers are located on the catfish’s chin. 4. Adipose fin: This fin is unique to catfish 1. Pectoral fin: Spines have sharp and the trout points, so watch out! 5. Caudal fin: Tail. 2. Dorsal fin: Spines have sharp points, so watch out! 2. dorsal fin 4. adipose fin 3. barbels 1. pectoral fin 5. caudal (tail) fin The hard part can be identifying the five Brown bullhead species commonly caught. The differences are • Tail less rounded, in the color of the chin barbels and the shape almost square of the tail. • Chin barbels dark, brown bullhead gray-black. May have White catfish whitish color at the base. • Somewhat forked tail Flathead catfish with round lobes white catfish • Longer, flattened head • Chin barbels whitish • Tail square • Chin barbels Channel catfish yellow-white • Forked tail • Mottled fins flathead catfish with pointed • Lower jaw extends beyond upper jaw lobes channel catfish • Chin barbels black Strange . But True! Catfish have taste buds on their skin, Yellow bullhead lips and barbels. They taste the water while • Rounded tail looking for food. There are more taste buds • Long anal fin yellow bullhead www.fi sh.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler &on Boater a catfish’s • September/October body than 2008 in your mouth. 53 • Chin barbels white or yellow.