Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: near Fayetteville,/NC/Cape Fear River (1966, Guier et al. 1981, 11 adults released)
Geographic Extent
near Fayetteville,/NC/Cape Fear River (1966, Guier et al. 1981, 11 adults released); Lillington/NC/(1977, Guier et al. 1981, River Km 238, nontidal); Riegelwood/NC/Cape Fear River (1977, Guier et al. 1981, River Km 45, tidal waters);
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Probable | Fisheries Intentional |
Regional Impacts
| Ecological Impact | Predation | |
Pylodictis olivaris is regarded as a major predator in the lower Cape Fear River. The growth of the flathead population was accompanied by decline of native bullhead catfish (Ameiurus spp. Diet studies have indicated that catfish, herrings (Alosa spp.) and sunfishes were the most frequent prey (Guier et al. 1981; Ashley and Buff 1987; Pine et al. 2005). However, these prey appear to be chosen according to their abundance, so feeding was not selective (Pine et al. 2005). The largest fishes, over 600 mm, had a diet to 94% fish by weight (Belkoski et al. 2021). | ||
| Economic Impact | Fisheries | |
Flathead Catfish are a major sport fish in the Cape Fear River. One method of fishing is unique to North Carolina it is legal to catch them using a hand-cranked magneto from early 20th century telephones. Flatheads are especially vulnerable to the electric current (Mary Moser, 1997, personal communication). However, the effect of predation on smaller gamefishes, including other catfishes, American Shad, and sunfishes (Guier et al. 1984; Ashley and Buff 1987; Pine et al. 2005). | ||