What specific scientific genus places the White Catfish, Ameiurus catus, distinct from the Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus?
Answer
Genus Ameiurus
The scientific classification of the White Catfish is *Ameiurus catus*. This designation places it within the genus *Ameiurus*. This is a critical distinction because the closely associated genus, *Ictalurus*, contains relatives like the Channel Catfish (*Ictalurus punctatus*). The speciation event that separated these two genera, *Ameiurus* and *Ictalurus*, is marked by observable morphological differences, such as fin structure and ray counts, indicating long-term genetic isolation and adaptation pathways divergent from a common ancestor.
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What specific scientific genus places the White Catfish, Ameiurus catus, distinct from the Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus?What is the typical range of anal fin rays possessed by Ameiurus catus?What physiological limit does the native White Catfish tolerate in terms of brackish water salinity (PSU)?Where does the indigenous native range of Ameiurus catus extend, spanning from north to south?In the Hudson River estuary, what quality length (cm) and corresponding age did the slower-growing White Catfish typically achieve?What historical synonym was used to identify the White Catfish, Ameiurus catus, before its current classification solidified?How do the chin barbels of Ameiurus catus distinguish it from the Yellow Bullhead, Ameiurus natalis?What specific morphological feature differentiates the anal fin of the Blue Catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, from that of Ameiurus catus?In which California location was the introduced White Catfish stocked in 1874, forming the basis of a major commercial fishery?What spatial segregation strategy is observed between native White Catfish and introduced Channel Catfish in the Hudson River estuary habitats?What rare, recessive genetic trait, seen in species like the Blue Catfish, causes overall pale coloration but retains pigmented eyes?