A 15-Year-Old Boy Catches a Rare White Catfish – The Largest Catfish Species in North America
Fifteen-year-old Edwards Tarumianz caught an unusual catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) while participating in a fishing trip with Captain Richard Simms on the Tennessee River on June 28. This species is the largest catfish in North America, typically grayish-blue in color. However, the fish that Tarumianz caught was almost entirely white with some pale pink patches on its fins.
Edwards Tarumianz with the rare white catfish caught on the Tennessee River. (Photo: Richard Simms)
“We were shocked to see the fish. I know it is extremely rare. Many people fish their whole lives without ever seeing one. I’m 67 years old and have transported tens of thousands of fish on my boat, but this is the first time I’ve seen one like this,” Simms shared.
He noted that the fish was so unusual that if they hadn’t taken a picture, people would find it hard to believe. After taking photos, they released it back into the water.
According to the captain, this could be a catfish with leucism. Leucism occurs in many animal species and is characterized by overall pale coloration or reduced pigmentation in certain areas. This condition arises from a gene mutation that inhibits the production of melanin and other pigments, resulting in white, pale, or mottled fur, skin, or scales, without affecting the eyes.
It is also possible that the fish was albino. Albinism is characterized by a complete lack of melanin. Albino animals often have white fur, skin, or scales, and their eyes may appear pink.
Biologists at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) have not yet been able to determine whether the white catfish is albino or leucistic. “Regardless, we all agree that it is a fantastic and rare ‘trophy’,” a spokesperson for TWRA stated.
