Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Scientific name: Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, 1818

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

The Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows to about 130 cm (51 in). It is easy to keep and aggressive and needs a tank of at least 475 L (125 US gal), water at 10–32°C (50–90°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: North America, Central drainage's of the United States to southern Canada and northern Mexico.

Channel catfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
130 cm (51 in)
Minimum tank
475 L (125 US gal)
Temperature
10–32°C (50–90°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
4–30 dGH (71–535 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore

Biology

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

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Ictalurus punctatus
Family
Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
132
Common length
57.0
Depth range
15 m (49 ft)
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 30 benthopelagic; depth range 15 - ? m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
North America: Central drainages of the United States to southern Canada and northern Mexico.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Potential pest
Uses
Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.06; tmax=16)

More catfish & plecos

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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