Channel Catfish

freshwater fish · North America · fishing

Whiskers for sensing. Channel catfish have long barbels (whiskers) around their mouth that help them find food in murky water where they can't see well. These super-sensitive whiskers can taste and feel, making them expert hunters in the dark.

America's fishing favorite. About 8 million people in the United States fish for channel catfish every year, making it the most popular catfish to catch. They're strong fighters on the line and delicious to eat, which explains why so many anglers love them.

Four state fish. Channel catfish are the official state fish of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Tennessee, showing just how important they are to these states' rivers and culture.

Invading new homes. People have introduced channel catfish to Europe, Asia, and South America, where they've thrived so well that many countries now see them as invasive species that upset local ecosystems.

Farm-raised success. Because people love eating channel catfish, fish farms now raise millions of them in the United States, making it one of the most farmed fish species in the country.