Animal Profiles
Fish

Catfish

Siluriformes

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Catfishes include many freshwater and marine species. This account follows the channel catfish, a North American fish with a forked tail and sensitive barbels around the mouth.

Photographed channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) against a plain background.

Photographed channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) against a plain background.

At a glance

Location
The representative is Ictalurus punctatus. It occupies rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds in North America, using deeper holes and other cover during the day. Introduced populations also occur beyond its native region.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Channel catfish become more active after dusk.

Classification

Common name
Catfish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Siluriformes
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Three things to know

  • It has no scales.
  • The tail is deeply forked.
  • It often feeds after dusk.

Habitat and range

The representative is Ictalurus punctatus. It occupies rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds in North America, using deeper holes and other cover during the day. Introduced populations also occur beyond its native region.

Appearance and adaptations

The body lacks scales and is usually darker above than below. A deeply forked tail and dark spotting are useful features. Barbels around the mouth help the fish explore its surroundings.

Diet and behaviour

Channel catfish become more active after dusk. They eat varied animal and plant material, with larger fish often taking more fish prey. Smell and taste help them find food near the bottom.

Sources

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