How many different catfish are there

Channel catfish have a deeply forked tail similar to blue catfish but the coloring is much different than that of a blue. Because of the coloring of the channel catfish, they are often confused by inexperienced anglers with the flathead catfish.

Channels however have a deeply forked tail instead of slightly notched and have a protruding upper jaw instead of the lower jaw. The coloring of channel catfish is most often olive-brown to slate in color and even with shades of blue and grey at times on the sides.

The underside or bellies of the fish are white or silvery-white. Typically there are numerous small black spots present but these may be absent in larger fish. The anal fin has 24—29 rays in comparison to a blue catfish which has 30 or more. Channel catfish typically spawn in late spring and early summer when water temperatures reach 75 degrees. The male fish select nest sites like other species which are typically selected in very dark secluded areas like cavities in rock piles or rip rap, logs, trees, undercut banks, etc.

Eggs are laid in the bottom of the bests and the male fish guard the nest. Biologists have also noted that male channel catfish may actually eat some of the eggs if disturbed. Young channel catfish less than four inches in length feed primarily on smaller insects. Adult channels are omnivorous feeding on mussels, crustaceans, fish, plants, and insects.

Most channel catfish will reach sexual maturity in three to six years or when they reach about twelve inches in length. Channel catfish are most abundant in large streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with low or moderate current. Channel catfish are one of the most popular species of fish in the United States ranking second only to bass in many areas.

Part of the reason for the popularity is that they obviously make excellent table fare but also because they are abundant and readily available in most lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Channel catfish can be caught with a variety of baits including natural baits like worms, baitfish, crawfish, or other natural baits but most popular is prepared catfish baits like punch baits, dip baits, and soap baits.

One popular technique used with prepared baits is chumming with soured grains like wheat or milo or using range cubes as chum. The flathead catfish is a popular species because there are populations in much of the United States and they are well known to grow to trophy class sizes, all in addition to being excellent table fare. The existing world record flathead catfish weighed in at lbs.

The flathead catfish like other species of catfish has smooth skin no scales , whiskers around the mouth, and long sharp spines on the back dorsal fin and sides pectoral fins. Flathead catfish can easily reach lengths of three to four feet and can easily exceed one hundred pounds in weight.

They are typically pale yellow to light brown on their backs and sides and this coloring is also very mottled with additional coloring for black and brown. The underside is usually a much lighter cream color or pale yellow color. The young are often very dark brown. The whisker-like barbels extend past their face and come out from their nose which makes them extremely sensitive to environmental changes around them.

Glass catfish are typically found in slow-moving rivers and streams and have initially originated from Thailand. Although their clear bodies are mainly advantageous, they pose a great threat to their survival when the water conditions are poor and they end up being mistaken for debris.

These species are native to the Orinoco and Amazon River basins and are known for their exceptionally long barbels.

Pictus catfish are commonly kept in freshwater tanks as pets and are nocturnal bottom feeders with an active aptitude for swimming. The pictus catfish have a forked tail, a downturned mouth, and sharp spines on their dorsal and they sport a beautiful silver color with black spots and stripes. They have really delightful and fun personalities that make them quite a popular choice among fish-keepers.

The body of the pictus catfish is slender and long and overall they grow to an average length of 5 inches. Since they are omnivorous, they prefer eating insects, vegetables, bloodworms, and prepared fish foods. As obviously as their name suggests, these species are complete upside down and are likely to turn some heads their way if you have them in your aquarium. They typically sport a light-brown colored body with this spotted appearance. The upside down catfish can reach an average size of three to four inches which is why they are often considered a dwarf catfish.

They have three pairs of barbels, large eyes, the characteristic forked tail and also a large adipose fin. These catfish are also sold by several other names like Oto catfish, Dwarf sucker-mouths, Dwarf ottos, Otto cats, Algae scrapers, and many others. Since they are a highly delicate fish species, looking after them and caring for them can be tricky business. The Otocinclus Catfish is an extremely small fish that grows to an average of only one and a half to two inches when fully mature.

They are native to South America and are further widely distributed throughout the lowlands that extend from northern Venezuela to northern Argentina. These catfish species are known to be one of the best aquarium choices because they are super peaceful, are easy to keep and they are excellent algae eaters.

Compared to the other Plecos, the Bristlenose Pleco are relatively small species that grow to an average of only inches. They have originated from South America particularly from the swift waters of the Amazon River Basin but can also be found in certain parts of Central America. They are typically found in gray, brown and green colors, often with yellow or white spots on various parts of their body.

These species stand out from other types of catfish due to their distinct and unusual appearance that consists of a wide head, a flat and fat body, and bony plates. However, they are extremely sociable and peaceful, two qualities that make them excellent tank mates. This is a popular tank catfish that attracts a lot of aquarists due to some distinguishing features. These include the ability to produce various sounds, high endurance levels, and the armor that they have.

They grow to an average length of 20 centimeters and live up to years. Flathead catfish prefer to live in the deep pools of creeks where the water is cloudy and currents are very slow. Corydoras or the cory catfish are popular pet catfish for aquariums. These species of catfish grow up to 3 inches in length and have a relatively long lifespan of 20 years.

They are freshwater catfish, timid, non-violent, and easy to care for. Glass catfish get their name because they are the only catfish species with transparent bodies. You can see the organs, bones, their entire insides if you look close enough. They live in slow-moving rivers and streams and their transparent body helps them to hide from predators.

They are also known as ghost catfish and phantom catfish in the aquarium community. The pictus catfish is native to the Orinoco and Amazon basins. These types of catfish are known for their long barbels.

Pictus catfish grow up to 5 inches in length. They have a pale to gray body with a black-spotted pattern, a forked tail, a downturned mouth, and sharp spines on their dorsal fin. The upside-down catfish is perhaps the most peculiar fish on this catfish species list. These types of catfish are known to swim upside down. They also go by the names mochokid catfish, blotched upside-down catfish, or false upside-down catfish. It is believed that they swim upside down because they often feed on the undersides of submerged branches and logs.

Thus, swimming upside down makes it easier to feed. The upside-down catfish can grow up to an average of 3 to 4 inches in length. Their bodies are oftentimes light brown with dotted spots throughout. The otocinclus catfish are tiny scavenger fish that grow up to two inches in length. They are very peaceful fish and make great pets in a tank with other non-aggressive fish. These catfish are good at cleaning the aquarium glass by eating the algae that grow on it or picking particles from plants in the aquarium.

You can find channel cats in the southern parts of Canada. They extend all the way down to Mexico. Channel cats are often found in streams and rivers, but also in ponds. In recent years, channel catfish have appeared in Europe.

They are one of the few types of catfish that are not considered invasive in most places. Channel cats are hearty eaters. In the wild, they feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish. When fishing for them, a variety of baits work. Worms and chicken livers are especially successful with channel cats. Channel catfish may be the most popular species for eating. The meat is white or yellow and mild-tasting.

Channel catfish is also sold commercially. You can find it fresh or frozen in many places. White catfish are also called white bullheads. There are several types of bullhead catfish aside from whites. White bullhead catfish look like smaller versions of flathead catfish. The most noticeable difference is their forked tails. Their bodies are shorter. The head may be a slate or olive-grey color. The belly is a pale white. The barbels on its chin will also be white. They have rounded anal fins with 19 to 23 spines.

White catfish prefer clean waters. You can also find them in brackish waters. They live along the Atlantic seaboard. The range extends from New York down to Florida. White cats can also live along the Gulf Coast. White catfish are diverse feeders. Anything from insects to mussels to fish eggs will appeal to them. You can catch them on a wide variety of baits from dip baits to even unusual ones like hot dogs.

White catfish is an edible fish. The flesh is firm and white and slightly sweet. White catfish fries up well, but it can also be baked. Yellow bullhead catfish are medium-sized, and their fins have many rays. The anal fin may have as many as You can eat the yellow bullhead catfish and many people enjoy the flavor. As the name suggests, yellow bullhead catfish are often yellow.

They can also be a dark black shade. The sides of the fish are usually the palest shade. Like most catfish, it has barbel whiskers on its face. You can tell a yellow bullhead from another bullhead because the whiskers are white.

Yellow bullhead catfish can thrive in unpleasant waters. Muddy, polluted, and dark waters can all be home to yellow bullhead. They also thrive in fast-moving clean waters, though. Their typical range includes the Central and Eastern United States. You can find them as far north as the Great Lakes in Canada. Like other bullhead catfish, yellow bullheads are hearty eaters. You can catch them using natural baits like crickets and worms.

They also respond well to chicken livers. You can easily catch them at night by fishing near the bottom. Make sure the fish was from clean water and well-cleaned before eating.