Are catfish related to cats?

Water Animals

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by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

Have you ever seen a catfish? If so, you might have guessed where their name came from -- those cat-like whiskers on the front of their faces!

The “whiskers” of a catfish are called “barbels” (or sometimes also “feelers”) and even though these two animals aren’t actually related, the purpose of their respective whiskers and barbels are pretty similar: Both cats and catfish use this unique body part to help feel their way around! Catfish also use their barbels to help find food, and these special whisker-like structures also contain most of the catfish’s taste buds! (Like your tongue!)

Did you know that catfish aren’t the only ones in the sea with special barbel whiskers?? Other fish such as minnows and carp have them, too!

Catfish Q&A!

Did you know that certain kinds of catfish can grow to be as much as 15 feet long and over 600 pounds in size??

How many different species of catfish do you think there are in the world? Ten? Twenty? One hundred? – The answer is nearly 2,900! Whoa!

Have you ever eaten catfish? Certain kinds of catfish are able to be eaten, and can even be very yummy! – It’s possible you once ate it without even knowing!