Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are an extremely popular species of catfish with a widespread range throughout the eastern half of North America. Channel cats are one of the most fished for species of fish in the United States both for sport and food. They are also one of the most, if not the most, commonly aquacultured fish in the US as they are raised for food markets, pond/lake stocking, aquaponics systems, pay-lakes, and ornamental ponds.

Channel cats make great additions to large ornamental ponds and aquariums with a few considerations. While they are very hardy and adaptable, they can get quite large. Channel cats are able to grow in excess of 20lbs, and although they typically stay smaller in ornamental ponds and aquariums they will still need large accommodations and heavy filtration to keep up with their bio-load. They will do very well with koi and can be just as endearing, they will readily surface for food and will accept food from your hand without much convincing!

Currently available specimens are hatchery bred and raised.

Please keep in mind that these fish were bred and raised in outdoor ponds and some may have minor cosmetic imperfections such as an imperfect fin or old scar.

Care Level: Beginner-intermediate.

Diet: Omnivores although primarily carnivorous, feeding on various worms, crustaceans, insects, snails, and other fish. They will readily accept prepared foods/pellet foods. 

Adult Size: Average is 15”-25” however they can exceed 30”. 

pH: 6.5-8.5

Water Temp: 65-85F

Other Care Preferences: They will eat just about anything that can fit in their mouth so pick tankmates carefully. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Live channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!