A huge, varied order of fish named for their whisker-like barbels. None have scales. They range from giants like the Mekong giant catfish to the tiny parasitic candiru.
Quick answers
What is it?Fish
Carnivore?Omnivore
Dangerous?No
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Night
Many catfish are nocturnal, though some are active at dusk or by day.
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?Sometimes
Smaller species such as Corydoras and plecos are popular aquarium fish.
Do people eat it?Yes
Many larger species are farmed or fished for food, such as Pangasius.
At a glance
Found inRivers, Worldwide
HabitatRivers & lakes, Wetland
ColoursGrey, Brown, Black
SizeLarge
LegsNone
Covered inSkin
Lives alone
Lives for8–20 years
Can swim
Lays eggs
In the wild
- What it eats
- Varies widely; many are scavenging bottom feeders.
Did you know
Many catfish can taste with their whole body.
Many cave-dwelling catfish have lost their eyes entirely.
Often confused with
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