Basic Differences Between Small Channelcats And Bluecats

  With the recent release of bluecats in a few Ohio lakes the past two years i thought it would be a good idea to post some information on distinguishing between the two species.  They do have many similarites but are easy to tell the difference.
  First the young channel catfish will have spots down the side of its body while a small blue catfish will not.

 Baby Channelcat (above)

Baby Bluecat (above)

Another way to tell to be 100% sure is by the anal Fin.

  The anal fin of a channelcat will have 25 to 29 Rays.(above)

The anal fin of a Bluecat will have 30 to 35 rays.(above)

(Please all) release the bluecats so they can grow and reach trophy potential.  With everyones efforts we could possibly see 20# Bluecats in a short 5 years, for these fish  feed all year long and grow to extreme sizes.  I hope to see in my lifetime a trophy fishery come from the release of these great sport fish......smooth