|The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
is the most important aquaculture species in the United States. In 2002, just over 630
million pounds of channel catfish were processed, representing about half the total United
States aquaculture production. Over 95% of channel catfish aquaculture occurs in four
states (Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana) located in the southeastern United
States. Mississippi is by far the leading channel catfish producing state and accounts for
over 70% of the total production.
The channel catfish is a member
of the family Ictaluridaethe North American catfisheswhich comprises seven
genera and at least 45 species. Many are fine table fish, but by virtue of its many
favorable culture characteristics, the channel catfish accounts for nearly all of the
commercial foodfish production in the United States. Channel catfish are native to central
North America between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains, from the Gulf of Mexico north
to the Hudson Bay drainage. Channel catfish are popular sport fish, and they have been
widely introduced throughout North America.