The difference between Flathead and Channel Catfish

How is the Flathead Catfish different from a Channel Catfish?

There are many different types or species of Catfish in the world and surprisingly to some all Catfish are not from the same family of fish as there are a wide variety of genus (family groups) that all the different Catfish belong to.Â 

The Flathead catfish and Channel catfish are two types of catfish that many believe are close in relationship due to their similar physical features, but this could not be further from the truth as you are about to find out.

Flathead Catfish

The Flathead Catfish is a member of the Plyodictis genus (family) of fish and can grow to lengths of one hundred and fifty five centimetres (sixty one inches) and can weigh up to fifty six kilograms (one hundred and twenty three pounds).

The Flathead Catfish can be distinguished very easily from the Channel Catfish by looking at its mouth which has a lower jawbone that protrudes out further than its upper jaw bone.

Channel Catfish

The Channel Catfish is a member of the Ictalurus genus of fish and can weigh up to between eighteen and twenty three kilograms (forty to fifty pounds), much less than the Flathead Catfish.

The Channel Catfish has a mouth which is very different to the Flathead Catfish where the upper jawbone protrudes out further than the lower jawbone.


Overall the Flathead Catfish and Channel Catfish are two totally different fish that belong to totally different genus (families) as well as growing to different weights with the Flathead Catfish being over twice the weight over the Channel Catfish and having different bone structures around the mouth area.


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