SAILFIN CATFISH Pterygoplichthys sp.

sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys
14" adult. Brays Bayou, Harris County

sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys
3". Buffalo Bayou @ Hwy 6, Harris County

sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys
2.5". Buffalo Bayou @ Hwy 6, Harris County

sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys
3/4" juveniles. Buffalo Bayou @ Hwy 6, Harris County.

The sailfin catfish have been widely introduced into bodies of water in the Houston area and in other parts of the Country as aquarium releases. In Houston, I have only found them in bodies of water within the city limits. In Buffalo Bayou at Highway 6, I caught 14 adults in one afternoon, including 4 with one throw of the cast net. They were concentrating at areas of agitated water. Also in this location, I've caught countless numbers of one inch offspring by working the vegetation at the water's edge with a dip net. In Brays Bayou at one location where clear water was emanating from a water treatment plant into the bayou, I observed approximately 15 adults in a very small area. Deceased specimens commonly are seen at the water's edge in area.


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