Catfish

There are more than two thousand species of catfish worldwide, living in both fresh and seawater. Most catfish species live in fresh water lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Some however, such as the channel catfish, live in swift, flowing waters. Catfish are characterized by two to four pairs of fleshy whiskers on their upper jaws. These whiskers are called barbels, and resemble cats whiskers. Some also have venomous spines. All catfish are scaleless and range in size from four inches to ten feet in length, depending upon the type. They feed on frogs, insects, and sometimes, other smaller fish.

There are a wide range of behaviors and adaptations among the catfish species. The upside-down catfish swims upside-down; the eelcat resembles an eel; electric catfish are capable of sending electric shocks; walking catfish move overland and have additional air-breathing lungs; the candiru catfish swims into the gills of larger fish and rips the gills apart with its sharp spines. It then drinks its victim's blood. Still other male catfish carry eggs in their mouths and refuse to eat until they are hatched.

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