Channel CatfishChannel catfish are easily distinguished from most catfish by their deeply forked tail fin, except for Blue catfish which are similar. Their coloration is typically a dark grayish to slate along the back shading lighter to a white underside. Frequently channels are covered with small, black spots, although in large adults the spots are frequently absent. The anal fin is rounded with 24-29 rays, as compared to the straight edged fin of a blue with 30 or more rays.
Sexual maturity usually occurs 3-6 years, generally by 12 inches in length. Spawning occurs when water temperature reach 70 degree, generally early summer. Channels are nesting fish, and the preferred sites are cavities in most any type of structure, even an old bucket will do. Once the gelatinous mass of eggs are laid, the male protects them until they’re hatched and for about a week longer after that.
As omnivores, channel cats feed on a large variety of items, including insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and even some plant material. While they do scavenge, their preference is for living food. They are definitely a top end predator. Although channels feed mostly at night, and are most active from sunset into the early evening, they can be caught at all hours.
Channel Catfish in Texas
Description
Ictalurus is Greek and punctatus is Latin, meaning "fish cat" and "spotted", respectively. Channel catfish are easily distinguished from all others, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. Unlike flathead catfish, the upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw. Coloration is olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, shading to silvery-white on the belly. Typically, numerous small, black spots are present, but may be obscured in large adults. The anal fin has 24-29 soft rays, in contrast to the blue catfish which always has 30 or more rays in the anal fin.
Life History
Channel catfish spawn in late spring or early summer when water temperatures reach 75°F. Males select nest sites which are normally dark secluded areas such as cavities in drift piles, logs, undercut banks, rocks, cans, etc. A golden-yellow gelatinous egg mass is deposited in the bottom of the nest. Males guard the nest, and may actually eat some of the eggs if they are disturbed. The eggs, if not devoured, typically hatch in about a week. Fry remain in the nest, under the guardianship of the male, for about another week. In clear water, young fish appear to be much more susceptible to predation and survival rates during the first year of life are much lower. Channel catfish less than 4 inches in length feed primarily on small insects. Adults are largely omnivorous, feeding on insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and even some plant material. Sexual maturity is reached in two or three years in captivity, whereas data from natural populations indicates channel catfish in Texas reach sexual maturity in 3-6 years. Most are mature by the time they reach 12 inches in length.
Habitat
Channel catfish are most abundant in large streams with low or moderate current.
Other
Channel catfish ranks behind only bass and crappie as the most preferred fish to catch in Texas. Popular with trotliners as well as rod-and-reel anglers, channel cats may be captured on a wide variety of baits including liver, worms, grasshoppers, shrimp, chicken, cheese and stinkbait, among others. Undoubtedly, part of the reason for their popularity is their delicious flavor when cooked. Channel catfish in excess of 36 pounds have been landed in Texas waters. The North American record stands at 58 pounds.
Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
