Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1940's. Back and sides mottled, dark-brown to
yellow-brown; belly is yellowish-white. Head is broad and flat with
small eyes. Large mouth, lower jaw projecting beyond the upper jaw.
Adipose fin is large; Tail fin is flat or slightly notched. Length:
12 to 52 inches. Weight: 1 to 65 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Found in the lower Colorado River near Yuma, Gila River, Salt River, Verde
River systems and reservoirs. Found near cover, in deeper, slower moving
pools of rivers. Often congregate in swift water below dams to feed on
live fish. Flatheads spawn in spring or early summer, building nests in
caves, depressions under rocks or undercut banks.
Food
Young flatheads (up to ten inches) eat insects and crayfish, switching
to a fish diet as they grow older. Typically solitary, territorial and
prefer to lie quietly, ambushing their prey, rather than foraging actively.
Angling
Live sunfish or carp, fished close to the bottom of deep pools or in swift
water below a dam is effective.
Table
Quality
The meat is white, firm, flaky and has an excellent flavor. Fish steaks
can be cut from the larger flatheads.
