Catfish are an extremely large and diverse group of fish generally regarded as a single order, the Siluriformes. This order includes some 31 families — the number and identification of which is constantly under review. Among these 31 families, there are 400 genera and among those, approximately 2,200 species.
The habitats of freshwater catfish range from cool, swift-running mountain streams to still water lowland lakes and ponds and even polluted, oxygen-deprived swamp waters. Equipped with special respiratory organs, some species can survive without water temporarily as a result of drought, for example, and will travel for short distances over land in search of another suitable habitat. Some species will gulp air and use the intestine as a storage vehicle for oxygen, which is absorbed into the bloodstream via thin-walled capillaries lining the intestinal wall. Others, such as Pangasius sutchi, use the swim bladder as an accessory organ for storing air. And still others, are equipped with elaborate air chamber systems that support oxygen transfer along with the lungs.
Catfish also exhibit remarkable diversity in size and shape. The largest on record was a formidable 16.5 feet and weighed 726 pounds, while the smallest is Corydoras pygmaeus at just over one inch.
Catfish are generally recognized by the barbels on each side of the mouth. These mimic the whiskers of a cat, and thus the name "catfish." Considered naked or without scales, catfish have either thick, leathery skin or "dermal" armor. Most catfish will live in the middle or the bottom of the tank, and prefer tanks with numerous hiding places.
With many other unique behaviors and adaptations involving feeding, the sensory system, sound production, and breeding, this group can be a fascinating member of any hobbyist's collection.
- Adolfoi Cory Cat
- Agassizi Cory Cat
- Albino Aeneus Cory Cat
- Brochis Cory Cat
- Columbian Shark
- Elegant Cory Cat
- Emerald Green Cory Cat
- Farlowella Cat
- Giraffe Nosed Catfish
- Gold Algae Eater
- Jaguar Catfish
- Juli Corycat
- Lima Shovel-Nosed Cat
- Loricaria Cat
- Nanus Cory Cat
- Ornate Pimelodus Catfish
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Panda Cory Cat
- Peppered Cory Cat
- Pictus Cat
- Redtail Cat
- Sterba's Cory
- Synodontis Angelicus Catfish
- Synodontis Decorus Catfish
- Synodontis Ocellifer Catfish
