The spoonbill catfish is actually the American paddlefish, Polyodon spathula. Despite its regional name, it is not a catfish. This remarkable freshwater fish has a long, flattened snout, a smooth body, and a huge mouth designed for filtering microscopic food from the water. Spoonbills inhabit large rivers and reservoirs across the central United States. They … Read more
The paddlefish is a large freshwater fish recognised by its long, paddle-shaped snout. It is also commonly called the spoonbill fish, spoonbill, paddle fish, or incorrectly, the spoonbill catfish. The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) lives mainly in large rivers and reservoirs connected to the Mississippi River system. Despite its unusual appearance and shark-like body, it … Read more
The gulper catfish is an unusual freshwater predator famous for its oversized mouth and ability to swallow surprisingly large prey. Although it usually remains under 14 inches long, it requires much more planning than an ordinary aquarium catfish. Its heavy feeding, large waste output, sensitive scaleless body, and dangerous appetite make it best suited to … Read more
The gafftop catfish, more accurately called the gafftopsail catfish, is a distinctive saltwater catfish recognized by its tall dorsal fin, long whiskers, and smooth silver body. Although some anglers dislike its heavy slime and sharp spines, this fish is a strong fighter and can also provide firm, flavorful fillets. Understanding its identification, habitat, diet, sting … Read more
The brown bullhead catfish is a hardy freshwater fish known for its rounded tail, mottled coloration, dark barbels, and ability to survive in warm, muddy water. Also called a mud cat, mud pout, or hornpout, it is native to much of eastern and central North America. Brown bullheads are popular with anglers because they bite … Read more
The banjo catfish is a peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its flattened head, narrow tail, rough skin, and leaf-like camouflage. It spends much of the day buried beneath sand or resting motionless among leaves and driftwood. Although easy to keep once established, this nocturnal fish requires soft substrate, gentle tank mates, targeted feeding, and clean … Read more
The Raphael catfish is a hardy South American freshwater fish known for its armored body, nocturnal habits, and ability to make audible clicking or croaking sounds. The two aquarium species most often sold under this name are the striped Raphael catfish, Platydoras armatulus, and the spotted Raphael catfish, Agamyxis pectinifrons. Both are generally peaceful, but … Read more
The electric catfish is an African freshwater fish capable of producing powerful electrical discharges to capture prey and defend itself. The name most commonly refers to Malapterurus electricus, a large, nocturnal catfish with smooth skin, small eyes, sensory barbels, and no conventional dorsal fin. Its electric organ surrounds much of its body and can generate … Read more
Albino catfish are pale-colored freshwater fish known for their white, cream, or pinkish bodies and reddish eyes. However, “albino catfish” does not describe one species. Several catfish—including corydoras, bristlenose plecos, channel catfish, hoplo catfish, and redtail catfish—can occur in albino forms. The albino cory catfish is the type most commonly kept in home aquariums because … Read more
Catfish eat an incredibly varied diet that depends on their species, size, age, and habitat. Most catfish are opportunistic feeders that search along the bottom for insects, crustaceans, worms, plants, dead animals, and smaller fish. However, not every catfish eats the same foods. Cory catfish consume tiny bottom-dwelling organisms, while large flathead and redtail catfish … Read more