Fin's Fish Guide
The Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 132 cm.
Fresh water of North America, in rivers, lakes and reservoirs with soft bottoms; tolerates brackish coastal water.
Description
The channel catfish is a slender, scaleless catfish of the family Ictaluridae (North American catfishes) reaching about 1.3 metres. The grey body has four pairs of barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin, a deeply forked tail and, in young fish, scattered dark spots. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout spines. The species comes from the fresh water of North America and lives on soft bottoms of rivers, lakes and reservoirs; it tolerates brackish coastal water. As an omnivore it searches, mainly at night, with its barbels for insects, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, seeds and detritus. It is one of the most popular freshwater sport fish of North America and is farmed and stocked worldwide, where it can become locally invasive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Channel catfish?
The Channel catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, scaleless catfish with four pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and a deeply forked tail; young fish bear scattered dark spots.
Where does the Channel catfish live?
The Channel catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of North America, in rivers, lakes and reservoirs with soft bottoms; tolerates brackish coastal water.
How big does the Channel catfish get?
The Channel catfish grows to a maximum of about 132 cm. On average the species is around 57 cm.
Is the Channel catfish dangerous to humans?
The Channel catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Channel catfish edible?
Yes, the Channel catfish is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Ictalurus
More from the family Ictaluridae
Want the complete picture on the Channel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Channel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.