Channel Catfish    Ictalurus punctatus

Grows to: Can grow up to four feet in the wild, or ponds, but usually stays under 18" in captivity.

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy fish suitable for beginners, will eat any fish that fits into their mouths.

How Many?  Can be kept as singles or in groups.

Housing:   (Temperature- 65-85),  (pH 6.0-8.0)

Tank mates:  Can be kept with koi, goldfish, cichlids, large barbs, sharks, gouramis-until they are large enough to see their tank mates as potential food items that is.

Feeding:  They are not picky eaters, will eat anything from live plants, flakes, pellets, to small fish.

Natural Habitat:  North America: Central drainages of the United States to southern Canada and northern Mexico.  Even though they are native to this area; they should never be released into local streams, ponds, or lakes due to the high likely hood of them decimating the local fauna.

Color Varieties:  Blue, Gold (Albino).