Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)

Model made in Blender, textures made in Mudbox, final result in Marmoset.

The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is known across the United States as a popular game catfish native to the Mississippi River and its drainage. Blue catfish have been introduced to numerous other waterways - in Virginia, they were introduced into the James River in the 70s and have since become naturalized.

Blue Catfish are opportunists much like the Channel Catfish. Their whiskery barbels have the same sensitivity and are frequently attracted to blood from injured prey. They'll eat just about anything and readily take cut or live baits including shad, crayfish, or bluegill. Since they tolerate brackish water, Virginia's invasive population can be found far downstream and into the Chesapeake Bay, where they have been known to prey on native wildlife including Blue Crab.

The Blue Catfish is very closely related to the Channel Catfish and are often mistaken. They can be distinguished by the squared shape of the anal fin and number of rays (26-31,) beautiful slate blue to gray coloration, and dorsal hump. Their tails are deeply forked, unlike the rarer White Catfish, which is not related. Blue Catfish readily grow in excess of 20 lbs (9 kg) and are known to reach up to 150 lbs (68kg,) adding to their popularity as a sport fish. Like Channel Catfish, they make for a tasty dinner, but always take care to research your State's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for active advisories and limit your consumption of wild-caught catfish accordingly,