Species FishChannel Catfish

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

CommonFish
Illustration of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Safety note: Pectoral and dorsal spines can deliver a painful sting; handle with care.

The Channel Catfish is a smooth-skinned, whiskered bottom-feeder with a deeply forked tail and scattered dark spots. It hunts largely by smell and taste in murky water.

Habitat
Rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with sand or gravel bottoms
Diet
Fish, insects, crustaceans, and plant matter
How common
Common

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