Catfish belong to a superorder known as the Ostariophysi, which also includes a Cypriniformes, Characiformes, and Gymnotiformes (although some place Gymnotiformes as a sub-the correct sequence of Siluriformes). As of 2005 there are 37 catfish families, although this number is inside constant flux due to taxonomic work on the order.

Around June, 2005, researchers known as a 37th personal of catfish, Lacantuniidae, merely a third recently personal of fish distinguished in a go Lxx years (others existence the coelacanth in 1938 and the megamouth shark in 1983). A fresh coinage inside Lacantuniidae, Lacantunia enigmatica, was found in the Lacantun river in Chiapas, Mexico.

Catfish own there is no scales. Everthing catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), possess a hard, hollow, bonified leading ray in their dorsal and pectoral fins, through which the stinging protein can be delivered if a fish is irritated. Around members of the personal Plotosidae, and of the genus Heteropneustes, this protein is so heavy it can hospitalize homo poor sufficiency to receive the sting.

Catfish zero in size & behavior from either a largest, a Giant Mekong Catfish (Pangasius gigas) in Southeast Asia, to detritivores (metal money that eat dead material on a bottom), & potentially to a flyspeck leechlike species normally known as the candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa).

A big wels catfish (Silurus glanis) was caught by Kevin Maddocks in August 6th, 1999, recorded at 202 pounds (91.62 kilograms). Tim Pruitt of Illinois caught a big blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in the Mississippi River on May 22nd, 2005 that weighed within at 124 pounds (56.Twenty-five kilograms). A big flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) ever caught was around Independence, Kansas, weighed at 123 pounds Nine ounces (56 kilograms). Still, these records pale inside comparision to the Giant Mekong Catfish caught in northern Thailand in May First, 2005 & reported to the click nigh Two months late, that weighed 646 pounds (293 kilograms). This is the big Giant Mekong Catfish caught, but only since Thai officials started keeping records around 1981 [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/0629_050629_giantcatfish.html]. A Giant Mekong Catfish are not swell exposed since it sleep in underdeveloped countries. These are super imaginable that it may develop large eventually.

Catfish come significant food fish throughout the world. Ictalurids are cultivated in North America (especially in the Deep South), while Clariids and Pangasiids are heavily cultivated inside Africa and Asia. There exists too the big & growing decorative fish trade, by owning catfish the popular component of numerous aquaria.

In the United States, June 25 is National Catfish Day.

Examples of catfish mintage: Iridescent Shark Channel catfish

Resources
"All Aquarium Catfish". [http://www.planetcatfish.com/core PlanetCatfish.com]. "Researchers identify new species". [http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/06/15/catfish.species.ap/index.html CNN]. Retrieved Jun. Xvi, 2005.

da:Malle de:Welsartige fr:Poisson-chat id:Lele it:Siluro jv:Lélé lt:Šamažuvės ms:Ikan Keli nl:Meervallen ja:ナマズ