Channel Catfish (Ictalarus punctatus)

The channel catfish is part of the North American catfish family Ictaluridae. The range of the channel catfish is south-central and eastern North America and in Canada they are found in southern Manitoba, southern Ontario and southern Quebec. The habitat of this species is typically cool, clear rivers and lakes although they can tolerate warmer more nutrient rich systems. Channel cats spawn in late spring or early summer when the water temperatures are 75-85 Degree Fahrenheit. Spawning may involve the migration up rivers but it is not necessary. Males build nests in holes and undercut banks in streams. In lakes or ponds, nest building (and as such spawning) will not take place unless there is some structure from which nests can be built. Females only spawn once per year although it has been noted that males can spawn several times a year. Males protect the nest and aerate the eggs by fanning their fins.

Channel catfish can grow to impressive proportions and in Canada they often reach 30 pounds. Southern channel catfish can reach weights approaching 60 pounds. Growth is dependent on latitude with southerly situated catfish growing faster than those to the north. Habitat and food availability also influences growth. Growth is rapid in early years with year old fish reaching lengths of 5-7 inches. A 10 year old catfish can be anywhere from 15 to 28 inches in length depending on location. The maximum age is typically said to be 25 years although a specimen of 40 years of age has been reported. Channel catfish usually mature between 5 and 8 years of age although this information is based on southern U.S. populations and likely maturity would be reached at a later age in northern catfish.

Channel catfish are opportunist feeders and will eat a variety of plants and animals. Feeding occurs both at night and during the day. With the use of sensory barbels (often referred to as whiskers), catfish feed largely by taste. These barbels allow the fish to "sample" their food before consuming it. In clearer waters, it has been suggested that catfish feed largely by sight. Young catfish feed primarily on larval insects while adults feed on insects, molluscs, crayfish, crabs, green algae, water plants, tree seeds, fishes, and even birds (although this is very rare). Minnows and yellow perch are prevalent foods in Canadian adult catfish.

This species is prized by many people for its table quality and fighting abilities. The white meat is considered a delicacy particularly if the red muscle is removed before cooking. There once was a fairly large commercial fishing industry although today most of the catfish sold to market comes from the catfish farming industry (mostly from the United States). There is a large recreational fishery for this species in the United States and a growing one in Canada.