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Biology: Catfish Secrets

Catfish are both fished from natural sources and raised commercially. Some people try to catch catfish by hand fishing, or "noodling" -- plunging their bare hands into the water and grabbing the jaw of a catfish. The 45 species of catfish have adaptations that set them apart from other types of fish, as well as make them well-suited to the wide range of environments you can find them in.

Walking Catfish
- While most catfish are restricted to living in the water, one species has no such restrictions. The walking catfish, also known as the Thailand catfish, is an elongated fish with no scales and a wide, flat head and barbels. These distinctive types of catfish have developed a lunglike organ that allows them to breathe air. They also have a long, spiny fin that runs along their underside that they can use to push themselves along when out of the water.
Temperature
- Catfish are well equipped to handle a variety of temperatures and can survive in waters that are freezing as well as those up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature of the water drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, catfish virtually stop their growth process. In a very elongated version of going into hibernation, they stop feeding when the water reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to ensure the best conditions for their young, catfish will only spawn when the water reaches a consistent temperature between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Role Reversal
- In the catfish family, it is the male that takes most of the responsibility for raising the young; in fact, after the female lays the eggs, he will violently drive the female from the nesting area if she tries to remain. He constructs the nest, which is typically in a sheltered, underwater burrow. After that, the male defends the nest against intruders, including the female. He will sit on the nest, constantly churning the water to ensure enough oxygen is present.
Shared Traits
- Whether catfish are a few inches long or up to 10 feet long, all catfish have a cylindrical body. All lack scales, and instead have a smooth skin. All the fins of the catfish are soft, with the exception of the dorsal fin on the top and the pectoral fins on the front -- these fins have sharp barbs that fishermen have long since learned to beware of. The distinctive whiskers that give catfish their name are present in all species of catfish, but in some species the whiskers get smaller as they get older.

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