Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus
Common Name(s): Channel Catfish, Channel Cat, Spotted Cat, Fiddlers

Color variations in Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish (bottom) compared to Blue Catfish (top)

Identification:

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, are commonly mistaken for the similar blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus. While channel catfish may have mild spotting on their sides and a curved anal fin, blue catfish lack any spotting and have a straight anal fin. Channel catfish typically range from 2-4 lbs. and 8-20 inches. However, individuals weighing 10 lbs. are common, and the current state record is 38lbs (Lake Ouachita). Channel catfish have large mouths with the upper jaw overhanging the lower jaw, and 4 pairs of barbels or “whiskers”. The tail fin is deeply forked, and the top and sides are typically a shade of blue-gray and spotted, while the belly is white. Some channel catfish may look more greenish gray, so there is a variety of colors that can occur. Like all catfish, channel catfish have an adipose fin, which is a small fleshy projection on the back, just in front of the tail fin.  Channel catfish have large spines in the fin on their back and in each of their pectoral fins.

Range:

Ictalurus punctatus is native to Southern Canada through the central portion of the United States to parts of Northern Mexico. They were broadly introduced into Arkansas and occur statewide in all water bodies, including farm ponds. It is now one of the most desired game and food fish in Arkansas and is widely stocked throughout the state.

Ecology:

Channel catfish are considered warm water fish, although they can be found in colder waters, preferring water temperatures from 75-80°F. In Arkansas, these fish are extremely adaptable. Adults like to hide during the day in overhanging banks, submerged logs, or deep water. At night they feed in riffles or shallower water.

Spawning in Arkansas occurs from May-July in dark holes that males clean out either under submerged logs, debris, or in a bank. Females have no role in nest building or guarding young. Spawning occurs around 80°F. Females deposit eggs in the cavities made by males, while males fertilize eggs. Males then guard eggs and fan them with their tail fins to keep them aerated until they hatch and leave the nest.

Channel catfish consume fish, insects, mollusks, crayfish, and sometimes plant material and decaying organic material.

In many states, channel catfish are considered to have negative effects on local fish populations by preying heavily on endangered species or outcompeting other prey species. They also hybridize readily with rarer catfish species, lowering the genetic integrity of threatened populations.

However, as mentioned above, channel catfish are native to Arkansas and are heavily stocked for commercial and recreational fishing. They are also a popular food fish. Arkansas is second only to Mississippi in the production of channel catfish. Channel catfish were the first species to be raised in commercial aquaculture for food purposes in the United States.

Special Notes:

Here in Bella Vista, channel catfish are stocked in all seven lakes. They are popular with anglers and can be caught at any time. Anglers hoping to catch channel catfish should fish deep where the bait is near the bottom of the lake. A variety of live and artificial baits can be used to catch channel catfish, including crayfish, earthworms, minnows, small sunfish, cheese, hearts, liver, and stink baits. Some people even catch these fish by hand using a method called “Noodling.” Anglers should always be mindful of the sharp spines on the sides and back of the channel catfish when handling.