Originally posted by: Rebel Cat on 9/19/2005 7:40:24 AM

Channel Catfish , Ictalurus Punctatus


Identifying Characteristics:

Two dorsal Fins including one adipose fin , forked tail , barbels ( whiskerlike sensory organ) around the mouth , slender body with speckeld sides.

The channel Catfish and brown bull heads are members of the Ictaluridae , or catfish family. These fish are readily distinguished by there scaleless bodies , broad heads , and sharp heavy pectoral and dorsel spines , and long whicker like barbels. Members of the catfish family are more or less ominivorous , feeding on all sorts of plant and animal matter. They also are mostly nocturnal , and use there barbels to locate food in the dark recesses of deep water.

Sexuzl Maturity comes at 5 to 8 years of age , but these fish live a great deal longer , some as long as 25 years. In the great lakes , this advance age can be accomplished by a body size of 30 pounds. At Such a large size , adult channel catfish , probaly have no predators except man.

Channel Catfish Prefer cooler , deeper , cleaner water than bull heads , and water with a sand or gravel bottom. During the day , they hide among rocks or log's ( Structure )There impressive size , and look's , make the channel catfish a poupular sport fish.



This record has stood for quite a long time as you can see by the photograph. This fella broke the scale at 58lbs!