What specific morphological feature differentiates the anal fin of the Blue Catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, from that of Ameiurus catus?
Answer
The Blue Catfish has a straight-edged anal fin.
Morphological comparisons reveal concrete physical differences that arose during the speciation events separating the *Ameiurus* and *Ictalurus* genera. While *Ameiurus catus* is characterized by having a shorter anal fin base and 22 to 25 rays, the Blue Catfish (*Ictalurus furcatus*) is distinctly characterized by having a straight-edged anal fin structure. This difference in fin morphology, alongside differences in caudal fin forking and body patterning seen in other *Ictalurus* species (like dark spots on Channel, Headwater, and Yaqui Catfish), reflects deep genetic isolation between the lineages.
Related Questions
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