Catfish

A member of the family Ictaluridae, catfish is a warm water fish that has long been well regarded for food and sport. Catfish also is farm raised. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is the most widely farm-raised fish in the United States, though recent high prices for soy and corn have driven many producers out of business and most of the farm-raised catfish consumed in the United States is imported. All wild catfish are descendants of catfish that originated east of the Continental Divide. The native western catfish is apparent only in the geologic record. Catfish has an odd appearance. Its barbels, which resemble whiskers, and sharp, spiny fins are venomous and capable of causing injury.