Visiting TFFC

Splash

Splash, former world record blue catfish, died December 6, 2005, at TFFC. She came to live at the center on January 14, 2004, after being caught from Lake Texoma by Cody Mullennix of Howe, Texas. At 121.5 pounds, she was the largest blue catfish ever caught and held that record until a 124-pound fish was caught from the Mississippi River in 2005. Splash is still the Texas state record blue catfish.

During her time at TFFC, Splash was responsible for a large increase in visitation. She was the star of the daily dive show during which she ate chicken, herring or mackerel from the diver's hand. She was especially popular with children. On the first anniversary of her arrival at TFFC, nearly 800 people came to see her, and 133 children brought hand-made birthday cards. "You are my idol," one said. Many others simply said, "I love you."

Splash will be missed by TFFC staff members and by untold numbers of people who regarded her as a very special fish. She is survived by thousands of descendants in Lake Texoma. A life-size replica is being prepared for display in the record fish area of TFFC, and her skeleton will be preserved for display as well.

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