Flathead Catfish

Q: What is the scientific name for flathead catfish?

Flathead Catfish is Pylodictis olivaris. Anglers also call it flathead, shovelhead.

The record

Flathead Catfish at a glance

Scientific name: Pylodictis olivaris
Typical size: 20-40 inches, 10-40 lbs
Water: Freshwater
Habitat: Freshwater
Rarity in the Fishdex™: Uncommon

Where it lives

Habitat

Flathead catfish inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with deep pools and cover such as fallen trees, rock ledges, and undercut banks. Anglers typically target them using live bait like bluegill or shad, fishing near structure during evening and nighttime hours when they are most active.

Catch one and it is yours

Log a flathead catfish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.

How the Fishdex™ works

Questions

Flathead Catfish questions people ask

What is the scientific name for flathead catfish?

Flathead Catfish is Pylodictis olivaris. Anglers also call it flathead, shovelhead.

How big does a flathead catfish get?

A typical flathead catfish runs 20-40 inches, 10-40 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every flathead catfish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.

Where do flathead catfish live?

Flathead catfish inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with deep pools and cover such as fallen trees, rock ledges, and undercut banks. Anglers typically target them using live bait like bluegill or shad, fishing near structure during evening and nighttime hours when they are most active. It is a fresh water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.

Is flathead catfish in the Cobia Fishdex?

Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.

Freshwater