flathead catfish

noun

flat·​head catfish ˈflat-ˌhed- How to pronounce flathead catfish (audio)
: a large yellowish catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) of the central and Gulf states of the U.S. with the sides and back heavily mottled with brown or black

Illustration of flathead catfish

Illustration of flathead catfish

Examples of flathead catfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sprawling tidewater in the Baltimore Harbor area is also home to overpopulations of blue and flathead catfish, both of which have expanded their range into the bay and are eating their way through the native food chain. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025 The category will continue to include muskellunge, northern pike, lake sturgeon and flathead catfish. Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Hoping to contain their spread, the state encourages anglers to kill rather than catch-and-release any northern snakehead, blue catfish or flathead catfish. Joe Heim, Washington Post, 18 July 2024 The daily limit for flathead catfish is one fish longer than 35 inches, with no limit on shorter fish. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 11 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for flathead catfish

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flathead catfish was in 1945

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Cite this Entry

“Flathead catfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flathead%20catfish. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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