What distinguishing characteristic is noted about the anal fin base structure of *A. catus*?
Answer
It contains between 22 and 24 soft rays
The anal fin provides a reliable, quantifiable trait for positive identification, especially useful when size or color variables are inconclusive. The White Catfish possesses a relatively short anal fin base compared to its overall body length, where the base length divides into the standard length more than four times. More importantly for enumeration, this specific fin structure houses between 22 and 24 soft rays. This count is a concrete identifier that differentiates it from the Yellow Bullhead (usually 24–27 rays) and the Black Bullhead (usually 17–21 rays), making it a valuable marker for biologists tracking specimens.
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What family does the White Catfish (*Ameiurus catus*) belong to, alongside other bullheads?What is the typical weight range in pounds commonly reached by adult White Catfish?What critical feature is absent from the body pigmentation pattern of the White Catfish?How is the tail fin (caudal fin) structure of the White Catfish characterized for classification?What distinguishing characteristic is noted about the anal fin base structure of *A. catus*?In profile view, how is the head shape of the White Catfish described when compared to Channel and Blue Catfish?What specific color defines the chin barbels, which aids in distinguishing *A. catus* from the Black Bullhead?What highly definitive structural characteristic runs along the back ridge from the head toward the dorsal fin origin in *A. catus*?How does the lower jaw structure typically compare to the upper jaw in the White Catfish head?In the comparison table, what tail fin margin is associated with the Yellow Bullhead (*A. natalis*)?