The Endearing Freshwater Catfish

This creature being held is a Catfish (Siluriformes). My experience as a marine biologist has shown me that while many fish lack scales, the catfish stands out with its smooth skin and prominent barbels—whiskers—around its mouth, which give it its name. These sensory organs are a key adaptation for life in low-visibility, bottom-dwelling environments.

Catfish are found in freshwater habitats on every continent except Antarctica. They are incredibly diverse, ranging from small, common species to massive, fearsome predators. Their diets vary, but they are generally bottom feeders, using their barbels to search for food in the mud and murky water. The catfish's resilience and unique physical traits make it a fascinating subject of study in ichthyology.