Freshwater
Channel catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Ictaluridae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 132 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 48,352 liters
- Diet
- Missing
Know what is missing? Suggest it in the app.
Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
NativeIntroduced
Lives wild in Canada, Mexico, and United States.
Introduced to Armenia, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Dominican Republic, and 15 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Inhabits lakes and deep pools and runs over sand or rocks in small to large rivers. Adults occur in rivers and streams and prefer clean, well oxygenated water, but also in ponds and reservoirs. Recorded as having been or being farmed in rice fields. Feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans (e.g. crayfish), clams and snails; also 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.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Ictalurus lacustris punctatus
- Pimelodus nigricans
- Silurus nigrescens
- Silurus punctatus
In other languages
- Prickig dvärgmal
- Plettet dværgmalle, Kanalmalle
- Pilkkupiikkimonni
- Catfish, Graceful catfish
Articles
All articles
Fish that get along4 min read
Temperament, fin nippers, fish that eat other fish, and fish that need the same water. And what the Harmony mark in the app means.
How to set up a Central American aquarium5 min read
Hard, alkaline water, sand and rock: an aquarium from the rivers and lakes of Mexico and Central America, with cichlids and livebearers.
How to set up a North American aquarium5 min read
Streams and ponds in North America are often cool. How to set up an aquarium without a heater, with pygmy sunfish, shiners and darters.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.