Which freshwater catfish species is scientifically named Ictalurus punctatus?

Ictalurus punctatus is the scientific name of the channel catfish.

Channel catfish are native to North America and are among the continent’s most widely raised freshwater food fish. Their range includes much of the central and eastern United States, southern Canada, and parts of northern Mexico, although people have introduced them far beyond their original distribution.

The species has a deeply forked tail, unlike the squarer tail of a flathead catfish. It also has dark spots, especially when young, although the spots may become less obvious in older fish. Like other catfish, it uses barbels around the mouth to detect food.

Channel catfish eat aquatic insects, crustaceans, fish, and plant material. They are important in commercial aquaculture, recreational fishing, and reservoir management. The specific name punctatus means “spotted,” referring to the characteristic markings of many individuals.