Common name: Channel catfish
Family:
Species: Ictalurus punctatus
Description: The channel catfish is a slender fish with a forked tail, flat head, whiskers (called barbels), and a smooth skin. It is smaller than its cousin the flathead catfish. On average, between 12 and 24 inches. On average, between two and seven pounds. Silvery blue to light olive with black spots.
Habitat: Large and small rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Range/migration: Channel catfish don’t migrate.
Food: Channel catfish eat crayfish, insects, snails, small clams, worms, fish, and the seeds of elm and silver maple trees. They mainly feed at night, which is the best time to catch them.
Reproduction: Channel catfish spawn when water temperatures reach 75 degrees, usually in late June. The eggs are deposited in a jelly-like mass. After spawning, the male drives off the female and guards the eggs. The eggs hatch in six to 10 days.
Enemies: Large freshwater fish such as flathead catfish and muskies
More information: http://www.dnr.state.mnus/snapshots/fish/channelcatfish.ht.ml