Red-tailed catfish image by: cliff1066™

In order for you to learn more about this mysterious fish, there are some catfish facts you need to consider. The Catfish is a freshwater fish which is named after the barbells around its mouth that resembles the whiskers of a cat. There are thousands of known species of catfish, and some of them don’t even have the whisker-shaped barrels on their mouths. Catfishes are characterized by a forked or ray-shaped tails and a silvery blue or light olive body which is covered with black spots.

Catfish Facts Vs Myths

There are a lot of catfish facts that thrive through the internet, books, magazines and other media. Some of them discuss interesting facts about the catfish’s habitat, behavior, reproduction, anatomy and uses and others discuss legends, origins and other stories related entirely to catfish. Perhaps the most intriguing stories found the media today are those of the different catfish myths and the issue wherein catfish pose a threat to humans.

Due to the vast number of species included in the order of Siluriformes, people tend to mix up different information regarding catfish facts and catfish myths. For once, catfish are not stupid or slow and sluggish fishes. They are in fact considered as game fish because they are quick and precise swimmers. That’s why fishermen (fisherwomen!) enjoy the thrill of catching them, much like trout or other game fishes. They are also not stupid and have proved otherwise in several tests performed by people designed to measure the learning capabilities of different fish.

Catfish also need adequate water conditions for them to survive. Although their bodies can withstand harsher conditions unlike other fish, they cannot thrive in foul water conditions, contrary to popular belief. Catfishes are omnivores, and can eat just about anything, from feeds to small-medium sized prey so the myth that claims that catfish only eat carrion is also nothing but a hoax.

Catfish facts: is this fish harmful?

Other intriguing Catfish facts regarded as truth by people today is that catfish are invasive creatures and they are dangerous for humans. Although there are a few recorded incidents of several catfish being a nuisance to humans, studies have proven that ecological pressure is the reason why some species of catfish have shown annoying behaviors. Although most species of catfish are considered harmless, there are a few species which pose as threats to humans as well.

Catfish facts: incidents

Several incidents have claimed that people, especially small children, have been attacked by different species of catfish, such as the Candiru, the Goonch catfish and the Wels catfish. Only very few of these attacks have been documented and very little evidence has been presented to prove that they are in fact done by catfishes. If you want to be a good catfisher though, these catfish facts will definitely help you understand the nature and morphology of this fish so you could catch it easily.