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Scientific Name: Pylodictus olivaris
Common Names: Appaloosa cat, goujon, johnnie cat, mud cat, shovelhead cat, yellow cat
Current State Record: 48.4 pounds, caught by James "Bobby" Simmons, 9/10/2000, in the Escambia River, Escambia County, Florida.
Florida Range: Perdido, Escambia, Blackwater,
Apalachicola, and Ochlocknee River drainages
Description: Flattened head, tiny eyes, squarish tail, and protruding lower jaw. Color varies from yellow brown to green on the back with a creamy white to yellow belly. Like most fish, the flathead's color tends to blend in with surround- ing habitat.
Habitat: In Florida, flatheads survive well in river, small stream, and reservoir/lake habitats. Though the flathead can tolerate turbid water and temperatures in the low 90's, it prefers flowing water that is well oxygenated.
Spawning Habits: The flathead spawns in the summer when the water temperature reaches between 72 and 75 degrees. It nests in cavities, such as under cut banks, log jams, and hollow logs. Once the eggs are deposited by the female, she is driven away from the nesting area by the male. The male protects the eggs and fry, and tends the young until they disperse.
Feeding Habits: Flatheads generally prefer live food. Food habit studies from
Apalachicola River indicated flatheads fed mostly on fish (including themselves) and large invertebrates like crayfish. On rare occasions flatheads will grab an artificial bait, but usually they are caught on large live bait. Flatheads generally shun the dead baits and "stink baits" which are so popular with channel cats.
Palatability: The smaller the flathead, the milder the taste. A redish streak is more evident in the filets of larger and older fish, but can be removed if you want a less "fishy" flavor.
WARNING !!! As with the Blue catfish, Flatheads are non-native to Florida waters. Enjoy catching them where they exist now, but DO NOT
move Flatheads to other bodies of water. In studies from other states, flatheads have actually eradicated or severely impacted Redbreast Sunfish and White Catfish populations. Studies have also shown they have impacted other native fish populations.
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