Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
The 'Pesce Gatto Dorato' is a color morph of the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow to orange coloration, often with a lighter belly. This coloration is due to a genetic mutation affecting melanin production, resulting in a xanthic or albino phenotype. Morphologically, it retains all the characteristics of the standard Channel Catfish, including its elongated body, deeply forked caudal fin, and prominent barbels. It is a highly adaptable species, thriving in a variety of freshwater environments.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Predominantly golden-yellow to orange, often with a lighter, sometimes whitish, belly. Some individuals may exhibit faint, irregular spots, though less pronounced than in typical wild-type Channel Catfish. The intensity of the golden hue can vary.
- Tipo di squame
- none
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Golden-yellow to orange body coloration, Deeply forked caudal fin, Eight barbels around the mouth (four on the chin, two maxillary, two nasal), Adipose fin present, Smooth, scaleless skin
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, prominent dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays. The spine can be locked upright.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Paired pectoral fins, each with a strong, serrated spine and 8-9 soft rays.
- Pinne distintive
- Presence of an adipose fin, a small, fleshy fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of catfishes.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Coloration
The most obvious distinguishing feature is its bright golden-yellow to orange body, which sets it apart from the typically olive-brown to grey coloration of wild-type Channel Catfish.
Caudal Fin
Look for the deeply forked tail fin, a key characteristic of Ictalurus punctatus, differentiating it from other catfish species with rounded or slightly emarginate tails.
Barbels
Count the eight barbels around the mouth. These sensory organs are crucial for foraging in low-light conditions.
Body Shape
Its elongated, slender body, compared to the more robust build of other large catfish like the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) or Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris).
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- freshwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths (1-15 meters), but can inhabit deeper waters.
- Ambiente
- Prefers warm, slow-moving to moderately flowing waters of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Often associated with areas offering cover such as submerged logs, rock piles, and undercut banks. Tolerant of a wide range of turbidity and substrate types, from mud to gravel.
- Areale geografico
- Native to central and eastern North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Widely introduced globally for aquaculture and sport fishing, including parts of Europe (e.g., Italy, where it is known as 'Pesce Gatto Dorato'), Asia, and South America.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: semi-aggressive
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 750 liters (200 gallons) for adults
- Temperatura: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
- Livello di pH: 6.0-8.0
- Durezza: 5-20 dGH
- Compatibilità: Can be kept with other large, robust fish that can tolerate similar water conditions. Avoid small fish that can be preyed upon.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a large tank with ample swimming space and hiding spots. Good filtration is essential due to their size and waste production. Substrate should be soft to protect their barbels. Can be prone to stress if not given adequate space and proper water quality.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Active year-round, with increased feeding activity during warmer months. Spawning typically occurs in late spring to early summer.
- Prezzo di mercato: Varies by region and size, generally moderate for food fish, higher for ornamental specimens.
- Importanza commerciale: high
- Sapore: Mild, sweet, and slightly earthy.
- Consistenza: Flaky and firm.
- Metodi di cottura: Frying, Grilling, Baking, Smoking
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Low in saturated fat.
Fatti chiave
Genetic Mutationinteresting
The 'Pesce Gatto Dorato' is a xanthic or albino color morph of the Channel Catfish, meaning its unique golden coloration is due to a genetic mutation affecting pigment production, not a separate species.
Sensory Barbelsbehavior
Channel Catfish, including the golden variety, possess highly sensitive barbels around their mouth that act like taste buds, allowing them to locate food in murky waters or at night.
Introduced Speciesinteresting
While native to North America, the Channel Catfish has been widely introduced globally for aquaculture and sport fishing, leading to its presence and common name 'Pesce Gatto Dorato' in countries like Italy.
Parental Carebehavior
Male Channel Catfish exhibit strong parental care, guarding the nest and fanning the eggs to ensure oxygenation until they hatch.
Longevityrecord
Channel Catfish can live for 15-20 years in optimal conditions, with some individuals recorded living even longer.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: Sì
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: The dorsal and pectoral fins of Channel Catfish (including the golden variety) possess sharp, serrated spines that can inflict painful wounds. These spines are associated with a mild venom that can cause swelling, redness, and throbbing pain. Handle with care, using gloves or a fish gripper, and avoid direct contact with the spines. If stung, clean the wound thoroughly and apply heat (e.g., hot water) to denature the protein-based venom, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Specie simili
Channel Catfish (wild type)
Ictalurus punctatus
The wild-type Channel Catfish typically has an olive-brown to grey body coloration, often with distinct dark spots, especially in younger individuals. The 'Pesce Gatto Dorato' lacks these dark spots and exhibits a uniform golden-yellow to orange hue.
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Blue Catfish are generally larger, have a more pronounced hump on their back, and their anal fin has a straighter margin with 30-35 rays (compared to 24-29 in Channel Catfish). Their coloration is typically slate blue to grey, and they lack the golden hue and distinct spots of the 'Pesce Gatto Dorato'.
White Catfish
Ameiurus catus
White Catfish have a less deeply forked or even slightly emarginate caudal fin, a broader head, and a more robust body. Their coloration is typically grey to olive-green, and they do not possess the golden coloration or deeply forked tail of the 'Pesce Gatto Dorato'.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Siluriformes
- Famiglia
- Ictaluridae
- Genere
- Ictalurus
- Specie
- Ictalurus punctatus
Esplora Golden Channel Catfish
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.