Sailfin catfish
Pterygoplichthys spp.
A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.
- Peak months
- Typical depth
- Typical size
- Catch minimum
- National record
See state records · Browse all fishing records
Recorded profile
- habitat summary
- Sailfin catfish live in nearly any type of slow moving streams, canals, ponds, and lakes; and are normally most abundant along the shore and in shallower waters. They are known to create spawning burrows along shorelines, sometimes undermining canal banks and lake shorelines. Little is known about the vermiculated sailfin's specific habitat preferences; poor success of suckermouth catfish to date indicates it is less well adapted to Florida waters than are the sailfins.
- diet
- Feeding Habits: 100% of stomachs that were examined contained detritus, and most also contained algae, sand, small freshwater bivalves, water fleas, and decaying matter; most active around dusk when root around bottom looking for worms and insect larvae; sucker-like mouth used to scrape algae from stones and other surfaces with their spoon shaped teeth.
- preferred bait
- Not recorded
- preferred lures
- Not recorded
- techniques
- Not recorded
- peak months
- Not recorded
States with a source record
Source evidence by state
- Florida — Sailfin Catfish · enriched: myfwc.com · www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu · myfwc.com
LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.