What is the scientific name of the channel catfish, a popular North American freshwater fish?

The scientific name of the channel catfish is Ictalurus punctatus.

This North American catfish is native to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river systems, as well as many other waters of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It has been widely introduced and farmed because of its value as a food fish and sport fish.

Channel catfish usually have a deeply forked tail, which helps distinguish them from several related catfish. Their coloration can vary from silvery to olive or bluish, and older fish may develop darker markings.

The channel catfish is often mixed up with the blue catfish. Blue catfish generally have a straighter-edged or less deeply forked anal fin, while channel catfish have dark spots more often and a strongly forked tail. Both species have sharp defensive spines in their fins.