Channel Catfish

The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is native to freshwater ecosystems from the eastern Rocky Mountains to the western Appalachian Mountains. Outside of their native range, channel catfish have been observed in all the remaining continental states and Hawaii, including the San Joaquin River and south Delta in California. They are gray with darker backs, pale bellies, and small dark spots. Channel catfish are scaleless and have flat heads, forked tails, serrated pectoral spines, and barbels around their mouths to help them find food. These fish are bottom feeders and eat almost anything they can catch, including invertebrates, small fish, dead animals, and plants. These fish are nest guarders with the males guarding nests (often cavities) until the eggs hatch. Much of their presence outside of their native range has been attributed to intentional stocking for sustenance and recreational fisheries.

Fun Fact: Channel catfish make a ‘croaking’ sound by rubbing their pectoral fin bones against their pectoral girdle (structure that supports the pectoral fins). This croaking can be made with either the left or right fin, and 90% of fish prefer to use the right fin – this is almost like right versus left-hand usage in humans.