Louisiana Foods Fish Fact for:
CATFISH

Consumed in every state, farmed catfish has become one of the nation's favorite fish. Proof is in the consumption figures, but it came in another form earlier this year, when catfish appeared in a recipe on the Kellogg's Corn Flakes box. "This is the best sign I ever saw of catfish becoming a mainstream American product", purred Bill Allen, Jr., executive director of the Catfish Institute in Belzoni, Mississippi.

In 10 years, U.S. catfish consumption has tripled. Last year, though, production dropped "for the first time in 20 years," noted Allen. The result was fewer catfish for more money resulting in a very successful year for catfish farmers who have taken their lumps in the past. This year's production is expected to edge back up to the 1993 level of 210,000 tons, with sales up 6% during the first quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, Germany is beginning to pay off after more than two years of intensive marketing efforts. Four U.S. processors began exporting container loads this spring, with more catfish expected to follow.

Species Specifics
  • There are four families and 28 species of catfish in the United States. There are 15 families and more than 100 species in the world.
  • Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, is synonymous with farmed catfish, which comprises 99% of the U.S. harvest.
  • Unlike their bottom dwelling brethren, channel catfish range the water column, often feeding on the surface. Catfish farmers take advantage of this by feeding their fish "puffed" pellets, feed that floats.
  • A wild channel catfish may live up to 15 years and weigh up to 50 pounds, but a farmed channel catfish is harvested in 18 months between 1-1/2 to 2 pounds.
  • The largest known catfish was captured in Russia. It weighed 660 pounds and was 16 1/2 feet long. The species was Siluris glanis.
  • The channel catfish is not only distinguished for its sweet taste but was the first catfish in the world to gain recognition as an international game fish because of its feisty nature and willingness to attack artificial lures, even flies.

    The above information is from the Seafood Leader.
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