Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are an extremely popular species of catfish with a widespread range throughout the eastern half of North America. Channel cats are one of the most fished for species of fish in the United States both for sport and food. They are also one of the most, if not the most, commonly aquacultured fish in the US as they are raised for food markets, pond/lake stocking, aquaponics systems, pay-lakes, and ornamental ponds. Channel cats make great additions to large ornamental ponds and aquariums with a few considerations. While they are very hardy and adaptable, they can get quite large. Channel cats are able to grow in excess of 20lbs, and although they typically stay smaller in ornamental ponds and aquariums they will still need large accommodations and heavy filtration to keep up with their bio-load. They will do very well with koi and can be just as endearing, they will readily surface for food and will accept food from your hand without much convincing!