Catfish are characterized by the whisker like barbels on the head and the presence of an adipose fin. They are scaleless and have sharp spines on the dorsal fin and in each pectoral fin. These spines can cause some injury if your not careful handling the fish .

Catfish are numerous and widespread, they can be found on any continent. They vary in size from species to species, some rarely exceeding 6 inches and others growing to be over 100 pounds. The larger species make for some good eating, the flesh is white and firm. 

Catfish are most active at night and live in quiet slow moving water and deep pools; The channel cat however prefers to live in a current. Catfish are omnivorous, feeding mostly on bottom dwelling insects, fish, and vegetation.