White Catfish Growth and Life History in the Hudson River Estuary, New York

ABSTRACT

The white catfish (Ictalurus catus) was studied in the upper Hudson River Estuary to describe its growth and habits at the northern edge of its range. Ages from pectoral spine examination showed annuli formed before June and the fish reach size of maturity after age three. Length at age was back calculated with a correction factor and by direct proportion; differences averaged only 4 mm and the correction method was favored. Spawning apparently occurred in June and July in sandy shoals and rock piles. Preferred habitats for catfish in other seasons were channel border or shoal and vegetated backwaters. Tag returns suggested a large population and indicated seasonal movements typical of this species.