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.
![Balsas Catfish map](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2017/07/46_balsanus_map_copy.jpg)