Catfish price

Catfish

The catfish have a snakelike body that is laterally compressed and flattened ventrally (belly). A pair of short barbels is on the upper jaw; two pairs of long, feeler-like barbels are near the mouth on the lower jaw. The dorsal and pectoral fins have soft rays and spines; the pelvic fins are thoracic (located on or near the chest), without spines; and there is no adipose fin. The anal fin has three to 16 soft rays.

The body is naked (scaleless); some species, however, may be covered with hard plates. Catfishes are gray, brown, greenish, or yellowish above and lighter below. Most have round black spots on the sides; in some species, the spots are blue or silvery.

The catfish is a scavenger that eats worms, snails, insects, insect larvae, small fishes, salamanders, frogs, snakes, bird eggs, dead organisms or organisms still alive, and plant matter. Some species are not scavengers but may prey on large fish; holes have been found in largemouth bass (Micropterus) stomachs containing smaller fishes.

The black bullhead (Ameiurus melas), the only North American representative of the family Ictaluridae, is a common North American catfish. It reaches a maximum length (total length) of 35 cm (14 inches). The black bullhead is found in quiet waters of lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams. Other members of the family are much larger; the South American genus Brachyplatystoma may reach a length of 2.5 m (8 feet). The South American family Pimelodidae is represented by the 1-m-long (3.3-ft) onechus, which lives in rivers and lakes of tropical South America.

Modern catfishes belong to the suborder Siluroidea, which probably evolved in the Cretaceous Period (145.5 million to 65.5 million years ago). The suborder includes about 800 species, ranging from 5 cm (2 inches) to 2.75 m (9 feet). They are found in all seas and in most freshwater habitats; however, they are very abundant only in the rivers of southeast Asia. One species, Parasilurus asotus, is native to the fresh waters of India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Malaysia, Indonesia (Java), Sumatra, Borneo, Philippines (Mindanao), and New Guinea.

Global catfish production

Catfish is a popular type of freshwater fish that is farmed for food. It is native to Africa and Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States. In 2016, the global production of catfish was estimated at 6.3 million metric tons. The majority of this fish is farmed in Asia, particularly in China, which is the world's largest producer. Other major catfish-producing countries include Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Catfish are typically farmed in ponds or cages in rivers. They are fed a diet of pellets or grain, and they are typically harvested when they reach a weight of 1-2 kg. The fish are then processed and sold fresh or frozen. Catfish is a popular food fish due to its mild flavor and firm, white flesh. It is often fried or grilled, and it can be used in a variety of recipes. In addition to being eaten as a whole fish, catfish fillets are commonly used in fish tacos, fish sandwiches, and fishcakes. The global catfish industry is worth billions of dollars and it employs millions of people. In addition to being a major source of food, catfish farming also provides a significant source of income for many communities in developing countries. Despite its popularity, there are some concerns about the sustainability of the catfish industry. The use of antibiotics and other chemicals in fish farms can pollute waterways, and overfishing of wild catfish populations can threaten the long-term viability of the industry. However, with proper management, the catfish industry can continue to provide a valuable source of food and income for many years to come.