Do Blue Catfish Reproduce in California?

May 5, 2016

Question: Do blue catfish reproduce in California lakes? If not, why? (Mike M., Anaheim)

Answer: Blue catfish can reproduce in lakes provided they have the right cave type of habitats. Spawning blue cats construct nests under overhanging rock ledges along deeply undercut banks and other sheltered places. In lakes that are self-contained where the lake managers purchase the fish from private hatcheries, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) cannot be sure if those fish were genetically altered for increased growth. If they were, those fish could be infertile.

Question: Do blue catfish reproduce in California lakes? 

There's only one way to stop these non-native blue catfish from reproducing in California....build a wall....it's gonna be hyuuuuge!