Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus

Residency: Non-native in Arizona - native in central drainages through North America stretching south to northern Mexico and north into southern Canada - introduced into parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

Habitat: Rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs: prefers clean well-oxygenated water

Diet: Fish, crayfish, snails, clams, insects, and even small mammals.

Breeding: When temperatures reach 27 to 28 degrees Celsius the females digs a hole in a sandy area and lays up to 20,000 eggs. The male and female build a depression in the ground for the male to guard the larvae when they have hatched.

Status: Not considered a threatened species. Can pose a threat in areas where it has been introduced.

Photo: To be added.

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