BALSAS CATFISH 
Ictalurus balsanus (Jordan & Snyder 1899)

Identification: The Balsas Catfish is similar to the Channel Catfish, I. punctatus, but can be distinguished by the presence of a backward extension on each side of the premaxillary toothpad.

Range: The Balsas Catfish occurs in the Rio Balsas drainage on the Pacific Slope of Mexico.

Habitat: The Balsas Catfish lives in clear, deep pools and runs of creeks and small to medium-sized rivers.

Similar species: Other species of Ictalurus lack backward extensions on the premaxillary toothpad.