Flathead Catfish
Flayhead Catfish, sometimes refered to as yellow catfish or mud cats, were origionally introduced in the 1940's. They are dark-brown to yellow-brown with a yellowish-white belly. Their head is broad and flat with small eyes. They have a large mouth, with their lower jaw projecting beyond the upper jaw. Their tail fin is flat or slightly notched.
Average Length: 12 to 52 inches.
Average Weight: 1 to 65 pounds.
Habitat
Flathead Cats can be found in the lower Colorado River near Yuma, Gila River, Salt River, Verde River systems and reservoirs across the state. They prefer to be near cover, in deeper, slower moving pools of rivers and often congregate in swift water below dams to feed on live fish. Flatheads spawn in spring or early summer, building nests in caves, depressions under rocks or undercut banks.
Diet
Young flatheads (up to ten inches) eat insects and crayfish, switching to a fish diet as they grow older. Typically solitary, territorial and prefer to lie quietly, ambushing their prey, rather than foraging actively.