Catfish

• Being bottom feeders.
  Most catfish live in freshwater habitats and feed on a variety of animal and plant matter that sinks to the bottom.
  Some catfish have spines on their fins that can inject venom if touched.

• Being farmed or fished for food.
  Many of the larger species of catfish, such as the wels, the channel catfish, and the pangasius, are commercially important as food sources.
  Catfish are also popular in recreational fishing.

• Being popular in the aquarium hobby.
  Many of the smaller species of catfish, especially those of the genus Corydoras, are kept as pets in home aquariums.
  They are valued for their peaceful temperament, their ability to clean the tank, and their variety of colors and patterns.

• Being able to survive in harsh environments.
  Some catfish have adapted to live in extreme conditions, such as low oxygen, high salinity, or high temperature.
  For example, the walking catfish can breathe air and move on land for short distances, the electric catfish can generate electric shocks to stun their prey or predators, and the candiru can parasitize the gills of other fish or even humans.

• Being diverse and widespread.
  Catfish are found on every continent except Antarctica, and they are the most diverse group of fish in terms of number of species.
  There are about 2,900 species of catfish, ranging from the tiny dwarf corydoras to the giant Mekong giant catfish.
  Catfish have also been introduced to many non-native regions by humans, sometimes becoming invasive species.

• Rivers: Catfish are common in rivers, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
  They can adapt to various water conditions, such as temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels.
  Some catfish can even swim upstream against strong currents.

• Lakes: Catfish can also inhabit lakes, where they often feed on the bottom or near the shore.
  Some catfish can grow very large in lakes, such as the Mekong giant catfish, which can reach up to 8 feet, 10 inches long.

• Ponds: Catfish can thrive in ponds, especially if they have enough food and cover.
  They can hide under rocks, logs, and vegetation, and prey on smaller fish, insects, and worms.
  Some catfish are popular in the aquarium hobby, such as the Corydora catfish.

• Coastal areas: Some catfish can live in brackish and saltwater environments, such as estuaries, mangroves, and coral reefs.
  They can tolerate changes in salinity and water quality.
  Some catfish have special adaptations, such as electric organs or venomous spines, to survive in these habitats.

A catfish is a type of fish that belongs to the order Siluriformes.
It has long, whisker-like barbels around its mouth that help it sense and find food in murky water.
Catfish can be very diverse in size, shape, color and behavior.
Some are tiny and colorful, like the dwarf Corydoras, while others are huge and predatory, like the wels catfish.
They are live in fresh water.
Some are active at night, while others are active during the day.
Some are scavengers, while others are parasites.
Catfish are fascinating creatures that can be found all over the world, except Antarctica.