To someone living in the Southern United States, the catfish may not seem to be anything more than a common fish. However, the catfish is actually a very fascinating and unique fish that lives all around the world. There are a total of 2,000 different species of catfish, many of which live in South America. Most catfish thrive in freshwater.

What makes a catfish so unique? The most noticeably unique feature on catfish is their whiskers, which are called barbels. Unlike most other fish, catfish do not have scales. Because of their small eyes, catfish do not have good sight, so they rely on their other senses to find food and shelter. Catfish primarily live under docks, in hollow logs, and in rock formations. They come out of hiding at night to feed. Because they are natural scavengers, catfish can also be helpful in keeping fish tanks clean.

Although the catfish in general is a unique fish, there are some especially unusual species of catfish around the world. In Africa, there is an electric catfish that can generate up to 350 volts of electricity. There is also a walking catfish that has air-breathing lungs. A species of very small catfish in South America is parasitic to humans. You can find the largest catfish in Europe, where one species can grow to be more than ten feet in length and over 600 pounds. In the Nile River, one catfish species swims upside down with their bellies up. There is also a glass catfish, whose body is almost entirely transparent.

Catfish have been a popular fish to eat for many years. It is among the most popular choices in seafood in the United States, and so many catfish farms have emerged in recent years. The catfish is the state fish of Missouri, and the month of August is National Catfish Month. The catfish is certainly one of the most interesting and popular fish on a variety of levels.

By Elizabeth Walling