Big Blue update

Not exactly worldwide recognition, but....

From the Nebraska Game and Parks newsletter

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LINCOLN, Neb. -- For 11 1/2 years, he awed visitors to the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium and, at 95 pounds, was the largest North American catfish in captivity. For the past month, the fish affectionately known as Big Blue had been “turning up his nose” at trout he once consumed at seven per week. On Nov. 4, Big Blue pumped his gills for the last time.

Big Blue came to the Aquarium in the bed of Cliff and Donna Ferguson’s pickup truck. He made the trip from the Nishnabotna River in northwest Missouri, after being caught by the Fergusons on a setline baited with a 5-inch bullhead. The ride was tough on Big Blue and things were touch-and-go for a couple of days, but thanks to treatment from Aquarium staff, Big Blue made a full recovery. An examination of Big Blue’s pectoral spine and otolith (ear bone) revealed that he was at least 35 years old at the time of his death, making him among the longest living blue catfish ever documented.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium would like to replace Big Blue and is seeking a blue catfish weighing at least 50 pounds. A plaque with the name of the person providing the first blue catfish meeting or exceeding that weight that is in good condition will be displayed at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium on the tank containing the fish. Contact Tony Korth at the Aquarium (402) 332-3901 for details.

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From the Omaha World Herald newspaper

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Published Friday November 7, 2008
Largest North American catfish in captivity dies

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - State officials say Big Blue — believed to have been the largest North American catfish in captivity — has died in a Nebraska aquarium.

Known as "Big Blue," the 95-pound catfish was brought to the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium in Gretna more than 11 years ago in 1997, in the bed of a pickup. The fish was caught by Cliff and Donna Ferguson in the Nishnabotna River in northwest Missouri.

Aquarium staff say the fish had stopped eating his regular diet of trout, of which he used to eat seven a week. The fish died Tuesday.

Based on an examination of the Big Blue's spine and ear bone, aquarium staff determined the fish was at least 35 years old at the time of his death. That would make him among the longest living blue catfish ever documented.