15-year-old boy catches rare white green catfish

15-year-old Edwards Tarumianz caught an unusual green catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) while joining Captain Richard Simms' fishing trip on the Tennessee River on June 28. This is the largest catfish in North America, usually bluish-gray in color. However, the fish that Tarumianz caught was almost entirely white with some pale pink patches on the fins.

Edwards Tarumianz with the rare white blue catfish caught in the Tennessee River.

"We were shocked when we saw the fish. I know very well that it is extremely rare. Many people go fishing all their lives without ever seeing it. I am 67 years old and have carried tens of thousands of fish on a boat but this is the first time. first time seeing such an animal with my own eyes," Simms said.

He said the fish was so unusual that if they hadn't photographed it, people would find it hard to believe. After taking pictures, they dropped it back into the water.

According to the captain, this could be a green catfish with leucism. Leukopenia occurs in many animals, characterized by a pale overall coloration or some areas of reduced coloration. This condition occurs due to a gene mutation that inhibits the production of melanin as well as other pigments, resulting in hair, skin, or scales turning white, pale, or patchy, but does not affect the eyes. .

It is also possible that the fish is albino. Albinism is characterized by a lack of the pigment melanin. Albinos usually have white fur, skin or scales, and eyes may be pink.

Biologists at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) have not been able to determine whether the white catfish has albino or albino. "Nevertheless, we all agree that it's a wonderful and rare 'booty'," a TWRA spokesman said.