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Revision as of 10:45, 30 June 2004 editPiotrus (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Event coordinators, Extended confirmed users, File movers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers285,860 edits Iridescent Shark← Previous edit Revision as of 23:42, 23 July 2004 edit undoAzhyd (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,934 edits add familiesNext edit →
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<table border="1" cellspacing="0" align="right" cellpadding="2" style = "margin-left: 0.5em;"> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" align="right" cellpadding="2" style = "margin-left: 0.5em;">
<tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>'''Catfish'''</th></tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>'''Catfish'''</th></tr>
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<tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>{{taxonomy}}</th></tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>{{taxonomy}}</th></tr>
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<tr><td>{{Ordo}}:</td><td>'''Siluriformes'''</td></tr> <tr><td>{{Ordo}}:</td><td>'''Siluriformes'''</td></tr>
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<tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>'''Families'''</th></tr>
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'''Catfish''' are a very diverse group of ]. Notable for their prominent ]s, they are found in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except ]. Some species from the families Ariidae and Plotosidae are also found in marine environs. They range in size and behavior from the largest freshwater fish in the world (the ]an wels, or <i>Silurus glanis</i>), to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the ''']''' (''Vandellia cirrhosa''). At present there are 35 catfish families, although this number is in constant flux due to ] work on the order. '''Catfish''' are a very diverse group of ]. Notable for their prominent ]s, they are found in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except ]. Some species from the families Ariidae and Plotosidae are also found in marine environs. They range in size and behavior from the largest freshwater fish in the world (the ]an wels, or <i>Silurus glanis</i>), to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the ''']''' (''Vandellia cirrhosa''). At present there are 35 catfish families, although this number is in constant flux due to ] work on the order.


They belong to a superorder called the Ostariophysi, which also includes the ], ], and ] (although some place Gymnotiformes as a sub-order of Siluriformes). They belong to a superorder called the ], which also includes the ], ], and ] (although some place Gymnotiformes as a sub-order of Siluriformes).


Catfish have no ]s. All catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), posses a strong, hollow, bonified leading ray on their ] and ]s, through which a stinging ] can be delivered if the fish is irritated. In members of the family Plotosidae, and of the genus Heteropneustes, this protein is so strong it may hospitalize humans unfortunate enough to receive a sting. Catfish have no ]s. All catfish, except members of ] (electric catfish), posses a strong, hollow, bonified leading ray on their ] and ]s, through which a stinging ] can be delivered if the fish is irritated. In members of the family ], and of the genus ], this protein is so strong it may hospitalize humans unfortunate enough to receive a sting.


Catfish are important food fish throughout the world. Ictalurids are cultivated in ] (especially in the ]), while ] and Pangasiids are heavily cultured in ] and ]. There is also a large and growing ornamental fish trade, with catfish a popular component of many ]. Catfish are important food fish throughout the world. Ictalurids are cultivated in ] (especially in the ]), while ] and ] are heavily cultured in ] and ]. There is also a large and growing ornamental fish trade, with catfish a popular component of many ].


Examples of catfish species: Examples of catfish species:

Revision as of 23:42, 23 July 2004


Catfish
Template:Regnum:Animalia
Template:Phylum:Chordata
Template:Classis:Actinopterygii
Template:Ordo:Siluriformes
Families

Diplomystidae
Ictaluridae
Bagridae
Olyridae
Cranoglanididae
Siluridae
Schilbeidae
Pangasiidae
Amphiliidae
Sisoridae
Amblycipitidae
Akysidae
Parakysidae
Chacidae
Clariidae
Heteropneustidae
Malapteruridae
Ariidae
Plotosidae
Mochokidae
Doradidae
Ageneiosidae
Auchenipteridae
Pimelodidae
Cetopsidae
Hypophthalmidae
Aspredinidae
Nematogenyidae
Trichomycteridae
Callichthyidae
Scoloplacidae
Loricariidae
Astroblepidae


Catfish are a very diverse group of fish. Notable for their prominent barbels, they are found in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except Antarctica. Some species from the families Ariidae and Plotosidae are also found in marine environs. They range in size and behavior from the largest freshwater fish in the world (the European wels, or Silurus glanis), to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa). At present there are 35 catfish families, although this number is in constant flux due to taxonomic work on the order.

They belong to a superorder called the Ostariophysi, which also includes the Cypriniformes, Characiformes, and Gymnotiformes (although some place Gymnotiformes as a sub-order of Siluriformes).

Catfish have no scales. All catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), posses a strong, hollow, bonified leading ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins, through which a stinging protein can be delivered if the fish is irritated. In members of the family Plotosidae, and of the genus Heteropneustes, this protein is so strong it may hospitalize humans unfortunate enough to receive a sting.

Catfish are important food fish throughout the world. Ictalurids are cultivated in North America (especially in the Deep South), while Clariids and Pangasiids are heavily cultured in Africa and Asia. There is also a large and growing ornamental fish trade, with catfish a popular component of many aquaria.

Examples of catfish species: