All About Catfish

Barbels instead of eyes and slime instead of scales – catfish are perfectly adapted to their environment!

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What Are Catfish?

Catfish are a diverse group of freshwater and brackish water fish. They are characterized by the barbels around their mouths, which help them locate food. Many have a strong, flexible body and smooth, often slimy skin. Some species have spines on their dorsal or pectoral fins for defense. Catfish can be found on almost every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting a wide range of environments, from rivers to lakes.

Main Characteristics of Catfish

1. They Have Barbels

A particularly striking feature of all catfish is their barbels. They resemble small tentacles and are made of soft tissue. Since catfish often live in murky water, they cannot rely on their eyesight to perceive their surroundings and must depend on their sense of touch. The barbels are very sensitive and provide catfish with a wealth of information about their environment.

2. They Have No Scales

What? Fish without scales? Yes, catfish have a slimy skin instead. Their habitat contains many sharp stones and narrow crevices. The slime protects their skin from injuries. Additionally, it wards off parasites and bacteria.

3. They Have Spines

In most catfish, the pectoral and dorsal fins are reinforced with hard spines. These spines are located just in front of the actual fins and are hardly noticeable as they blend seamlessly into the fin. For predatory fish, these spines pose a real obstacle – every bite becomes a risky endeavor.

Catfish Family Tree

Amazing Facts About Catfish

• There are about 4,000 species of catfish.
• Catfish mostly live in freshwater, but some can also be found in saltwater.
• They have "whiskers" around their mouths called barbels.
• Barbels are long, thin sensory organs that have taste buds on them.
• In Europe, the only native catfish is the European catfish.
• Catfish are omnivores. They eat plants, fish, invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans.
• The largest catfish is the Mekong giant catfish, which can grow up to 9.8 feet (3 meters) long and weigh as much as 770 pounds (350 kg).
• The smallest catfish is the dwarf corydoras, measuring only 0.7-1 inches (19-25 mm) in length.
• The longest journey made by a catfish was by the gilded catfish, which swam an incredible 7,200 miles (11,600 km) through the Amazon River.

Species List