Catfish

Catfish (order Siluriformes) are a group of bony fish found primarily in all kinds of freshwater environments. Catfish are named for their prominent barbells and are considered commercially important. Larger species of catfish are farmed or fished for food, and the smaller species are used as important fish in the aquarium hobby field, like the banjo catfish and the talking catfish. Existing catfish species are found in every continent, except for Antarctica. They are most diverse in tropical Asia, Africa, and South America. More than half of the species live in America and the freshwater habitats in Australia, Madagascar, and New Guinea. Catfish are also a troglobite, animals that inhabit the dark parts of caves. They are one of the most successful fish that colonises caves. Species from the families Plotosidae, Ariidae, Bagridae, and Aspredinidae can also be found in marine environments.

Catfish are an inexpensive, safe food to eat, and are easy to farm in warm climates. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are among the species that support a $450 million/yr aquaculture industry. Mississippi is the location of the largest domestic catfish producer in North America. The 1,100-acre catfish ponds of Morgan W. Walker, Jr. can be found in central Mississippi where one can find catfish for sale and consumption. Some food critics consider the catfish a popular and excellent food, especially in the United States and Indonesia. They are also viewed in Central Europe as a delicacy to be enjoyed on feast days and holidays.