Scientific Name
Ictalurus punctatus

Common Name
Channel catfish

Biology
Inhabit rivers and streams and prefer clean, well oxygenated water (Ref. 9988), but also in ponds and reservoirs (Ref. 10294, 44091). Feed primarily on small fish, crustaceans (e.g. crayfish), clams and snails; also feed on aquatic insects and small mammals (Ref. 9669, 10294, 44091). Marketed fresh, smoked and frozen; eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988). Albino form common in the aquarium trade (Ref. 13371).

Classification

Classified By

Rafinesque, 1818

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

North American freshwater catfishes (Ictaluridae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

North America: Central drainages of the United States to southern Canada and northern Mexico.

Range

51°N - 27°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

10 °C

Water Temperature To

32 °C

Depth From - meters

15 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 30 benthopelagic; depth range 15 - ? m (Ref. 9988)

Trophic Level

3.87 s.e. 0.58 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

132 cm

Common Length

57.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5020 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (72 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.06; tmax=16)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest (Ref. 13371)

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated