The New International Encyclopædia/Mississippi Catfish

MISSISSIPPI CATFISH. The largest of North American catfish (Ameiurus lacustris, or Ictalurus ponderosus), which may reach 150 pounds in weight, is sold in all the markets of its region, and is regarded by many as good food. It inhabits the Great Lakes, and all the larger waters of the Saskatchewan, Mississippi, and Missouri valleys. In color it is greenish slate, growing darker with age, the sides paler, without spots. (See Catfish.) Among its many local names in the South are ‘flannel-mouth’ and ‘mud cat.’