Catfish

Catfish is not beautiful, but it is good eating. Its thick, slippery skin must be removed before cooking, so fillets in the market are usually sold without the skin. Catfish are plentiful in the wild but can have a muddy taste since they are bottom feeders. Most farmed catfish don’t have this problem, as they are grown in concrete-lined ponds that can be more easily cleaned. Catfish is regional delicacy in the South, served with such traditional side dishes as grits and hush puppies. Farm-raised catfish are listed as a “Best Choice” from Seafood Watch at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and are very sustainable.