Like all other North American Catfish species, the Flathead has scaleless skin, barbells (whiskers) around its’ mouth, and long, sharp spines on its’ dorsal and pectoral fins. However, unlike its’ cousins, this catfish sports a “Flat Head”, just as its’ name implies. Juvenile Flatheads may be almost black in color but as they mature they take on a blotchy brown and yellow (olive) color which fades to a yellowish-cream color on its’ underside. The Flathead’s lower jaw juts out past its’ upper jaw and has a tail fin (caudal) that is just slightly notched. At first sight, the Flathead’s appearance may seem hideous to most, but after you land your first good size Flathead, is when you realize their true beauty!