anyone ever see this

[JustAgirlwithApond]

First let me say I do understand that this is a site for fish in tanks and this is not my situation, however I have read through the forum and everyone seems super knowledgeable about all kinds of fish and fish issues and I’ve had no luck getting answers anywhere else so I’m hoping some here might be able to help. I have an acre and half stocked pond in Indiana with the usual grass carp, channel cats, bass, and other small fish. But I have one cat that has no barbels and a unique pattern on its back. At first I thought it was dirt and mud on his back but it’s the same pattern every time I see him. He is either a juvenile or just not very big compared to the bigger cats. All the other cats look normal with no oddities. I’ve just never seen a catfish without whiskers anyone know what’s going on here?

 

[wednesday13]

Looks like someone else had em down the hatch. Should heal up eventually. IMO it was just predation and he survived so far. Any flatheads in there or just other channels?

 

[JustAgirlwithApond]

Looks like someone else had em down the hatch. Should heal up eventually. IMO it was just predation and he survived so far. Any flatheads in there or just other channels?

I’m pretty sure just channels

 

[wednesday13]

I’m pretty sure just channels

Based on just the other channels size in the 2nd pic thats most likely what happened. Perfect mouth marks on the little guys head. Whiskers will regenerate also thats a pretty normal injury.

 

[phreeflow]

Agree with Wednesday13, seems like another sizable catfish had this one down its gullet for a while before spitting it out. All things considered, if it’s eating and wounds not infected, it should heal up

 

[JustAgirlwithApond]

I honestly never considered that. There are some big boys in the pond but also an abundance of bluegill, sunfish, etc. I would not have thought other catfish would be on the menu. Also is everything saying the marks on its back are from the teeth or mouth of predators and how would his whiskers be completely gone just from being swallowed? I’m not saying yall are incorrect and I really appreciate your answers, just some follow up questions is all.

 

[phreeflow]

Well, if the head was down the gullet of another catfish, perhaps the whiskers got into the stomach cavity and melted away. A more reasonable answer is that they either broke and/or got infected and the skin died back from bacterial necrosis.

Bottom line, none of us know for sure but that is what it seems. Also, it’s not uncommon for catfish to damage their barbels, even down to the nubs if infection was involved

 

[JustAgirlwithApond]

Well, if the head was down the gullet of another catfish, perhaps the whiskers got into the stomach cavity and melted away. A more reasonable answer is that they either broke and/or got infected and the skin died back from bacterial necrosis.

Bottom line, none of us know for sure but that is what it seems. Also, it’s not uncommon for catfish to damage their barbels, even down to the nubs if infection was involved

That makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation.

 

[phreeflow]

That makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation.

Anytime…and welcome to MFK. Post up more pics of your pond and stick around

 

[tlindsey]

I honestly never considered that. There are some big boys in the pond but also an abundance of bluegill, sunfish, etc. I would not have thought other catfish would be on the menu. Also is everything saying the marks on its back are from the teeth or mouth of predators and how would his whiskers be completely gone just from being swallowed? I’m not saying yall are incorrect and I really appreciate your answers, just some follow up questions is all. View attachment 1551544

Welcome aboard