Movement Dynamics of a Recently Established Invasive Riverine Flathead Catfish Population

Abstract

Understanding the ecological and economic impacts of invasive catfish is a global priority. In Pennsylvania, the flathead catfish Pylodictus olivaris – a large predatory catfish – was first detected in the Susquehanna River in 2002. Since then, they have established a rapidly growing
population that is expanding throughout the river system.

Previous research has demonstrated that flathead catfish have the potential to negatively affect native and naturalized aquatic species within this system, including recreationally important fish species. In fact, our previous research has documented isotopic niche expansion for all components of the Susquehanna River food web in the presence of flathead catfish – indicating an increase in resource sharing and the potential for more competition throughout the food web. However, there remains a lack of information about flathead catfish movement dynamics, habitat use, and survival – all of which are critical for understanding future range expansions, potential ecological and economic impacts, and to help guide management and monitoring efforts.

Therefore, the goal of this research is to tag flathead catfish and deploy an acoustic telemetry array in a recently invaded reach of the West Branch Susquehanna River to help address these critical knowledge gaps.