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Ictalurus punctatus has been introduced to a few countries throughout Europe but are native to North America and Mexico and are mainy used as a sport fish in the U.S. where it is one of the species used in the  "pay as you fish" ponds. To tell the difference between the "Catfishes" and the "Bullheads" in the family Ictularidae is quite simple, the Catfishes have a forked tail, as in the Channel Catfish, and the Bullhead catfish have a truncate (straightish) caudal fin. Aquarium Care: Best to be kept on its own, or in a very large tank with other large catfish that can take care of themselves. Housing with large Cichlids is another possibility. Diet: Inhabits rivers and streams and prefers clean, well oxygenated water. Feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, clams and snails. In the aquarium/pond they will eat most food with a preference for live/frozen food and also worms such as earth worms and white worm. Will also take catfish tablets and trout pellets.

Channel catfish

Silurus punctatus

Ictaluridae

North America: Central drainages of the United States to southern Canada and northern Mexico.

70cm. (27ins)

10-32°C (47-91°F)

6.5-7.2.

ScotCat Factsheet no. 62 : August 2001.