Channel Catfish (catfish in Man

The channel catfish can grow to be a very large fish, up to 1 m (1000 mm) long and as much as 15 kg. in weight. They are grey to brownish black on top and blue-white below. They have spots when they are young, but lose them when they grow older. The fins have sharp spines that will stick in the mouths of animals that try to eat a catfish.They have a forked tail. These fish have no scales. They have eight whiskers on their mouth.

Channel catfish live in large rivers and lakes.

The catfish will eat just about anything that will fit into its mouth. They eat insects, crayfish, fish, and small mammals. The whiskers around their mouthes are covered with taste buds that help them find their food on the river or lake bottom.

The channel catfish is eaten by many large fish and birds like the bald eagle and osprey, and by people. People fish for catfish. Catfish meat is white, tender and sweet.

Channel catfish spawn in late spring. They lay their eggs in the holes between tree roots and rocks or in small caves. The female may lay thousands of eggs The male will defend the nest. The eggs hatch in about 10 days and the male defends the young. The young catfish eat tiny water animals. They leave their father after a few weeks.