Research - Sea Grant Research Projects
Flathead Catfish in Eastern Pennsylvania

So What's the Big Deal About Flathead Catfish?

They can grow to be very big - under ideal conditions, flatheads can reach more than 45 kg (100 lbs.) in weight.

The flathead catfish is an invasive species in eastern Pennsylvania. Flatheads introduced in the upper Schuylkill River have spread downstream and to other tributaries of the Delaware River. Flatheads populations are also established in the Susquehanna watershed.

Flatheads compete with and eat native fish so are expected to cause declines in native fish populations.

Eating too many flatheads can be risky. Flatheads in the lower Schuylkill River (between Flat Rock Dam and Fairmount Dan) tend to accumulate chemicals from the environment like PCBs. This can pose a health risk for anglers who eat more than the recommended 8 ounces of skinned and trimmed fillet per month.

Partial funding for this web resource was provided by a grant from Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management.

The Flathead Catfish Research and Outreach initiative has been a collaborative project of Pennsylvania Sea Grant, The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Monell Chemical Senses Center, and The Philadelphia Water Department.

The Flathead Catfish Research and Outreach initiative has been a collaborative project of Pennsylvania Sea Grant, The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Monell Chemical Senses Center, and The Philadelphia Water Department.