Ictaluridae facts for kids
The Ictaluridae are a family of fish known as catfish. They live in North America. People often catch them for food or for fun (sport fishing). This family has about 51 different kinds of fish. Some popular ones are bullheads, madtoms, channel catfish, and blue catfish.
Quick facts for kids Ictaluridae |
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| Blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Superfamily: | Ictaluroidea |
| Family: | Ictaluridae T. N. Gill, 1861 |
| Genera | |
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Ameiurus, bullheads |
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Contents
What are Ictalurid Catfish?
The Ictaluridae family is a group of fish that are all related. Scientists agree that these fish form a single, natural group. They are closely related to a family of catfish from Asia called Cranoglanididae. These two families are like "sister groups" in a larger group called Ictaluroidea.
Some catfish in this family are blind and live underground in caves. These include the genera Trogloglanis, Satan, and Prietella. Even though they are all blind cavefish, they are not closely related to each other. For example, Satan is more closely related to Pylodictis. Prietella is closer to Noturus. Trogloglanis might be related to Ictalurus, or it might be a unique branch.
Where Do Ictalurid Catfish Live?
Ictalurid catfish come from North America. You can find them from southern Canada all the way down to Guatemala.
Bullheads and madtoms often live in small streams and ponds. However, you can also find them in larger rivers and lakes. Channel catfish, bullheads, and madtoms are known as "bottom feeders." This means they usually eat food found at the bottom of the water. Their diet is very varied, and they often eat whatever they can find.
Different Kinds of Ictalurid Catfish
Here are some well-known species in the Ictaluridae family:
- Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
- Tadpole madtom
- Brown bullhead
- Yellow bullhead
- Black bullhead
- Channel catfish
- Widemouth blindcat
Physical Features of Ictalurid Catfish
Ictalurid catfish have four pairs of barbels. These are like long "whiskers" around their mouths. They use these barbels to feel and taste their surroundings. Their skin is smooth and does not have any scales.
Most Ictalurid catfish have a spine in their dorsal fin (on their back) and their pectoral fins (on their sides). The dorsal fin usually has six soft rays. The roof of their mouth (palate) does not have teeth, except for a very old fossil fish called Astephus.
The genera Trogloglanis, Satan, and Prietella include four types of blind catfish. These fish can give a painful sting. This sting comes from venomous spines hidden in their fins.
Some Ictalurid catfish can grow very large. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is one of the biggest. Some blue catfish have been found to weigh over 50 kg (110 lb). Both the blue catfish and the flathead catfish can grow up to 160 cm (5.2 ft) long.
In contrast, bullheads are much smaller catfish. When they are fully grown, they often weigh less than 0.5 kg (1 lb). Madtoms (genus Noturus) are generally even smaller than bullheads.
Ictalurid Catfish and People
North American catfish are very important in the culture of the Southern United States. They are more than just a fish to eat. The image of someone fishing for catfish with a simple cane pole in a calm stream is a classic picture of southern life.
Some people really like to catch bullheads because they put up a good fight. Even though they are small, they are strong fighters. Other people see bullheads as a bother. This is because they are very good at stealing bait from fishing lines.
See also
In Spanish: Bagres de agua dulce para niños
