Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is a freshwater species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of 0–15 m.
Scientific name: Ictalurus punctatus · Water: Freshwater
Size: 25–80 cm
Weight: 0.3–12 kg
Channel catfish is one of North America's most numerous catfish, a smooth, scaleless bottom-feeder that hunts largely by smell in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Its native range is North America, in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and Missouri-Mississippi river basins from southern Quebec to southern Manitoba and Montana and south to the Gulf, possibly also on the Atlantic and Gulf slopes from the Susquehanna to the Neuse and from the Savannah River to Lake Okeechobee, and west to northern Mexico and eastern New Mexico; it has since been introduced through most of the United States. It is most active in warm spring and summer water and is especially effective to fish at night. Its adaptability, easy bite and good flavor make it a favorite starter and family fish.
Back to home · United States · Species library