Channel Catfish Quiz

Which species of catfish is the most important commercially cultured aquatic animal in the United States?

• Channel catfish

• Flathead catfish

• White catfish

• Blue catfish

How many species of catfish in North America have been cultured or have potential for commercial production?

• 39

• 45

• 12

• 6

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Where were channel catfish originally found?

• Atlantic coastal plain

• Rocky Mountains

• Gulf States and the Mississippi Valley

• Prairie provinces of Canada and Mexico

What is the physical characteristic that distinguishes channel catfish from other North American catfish?

• Presence of scales

• Cylindrical body shape

• Deeply forked tail

• Presence of barbels

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Where are channel catfish usually found in natural waters?

• Saltwater habitats

• Sand, gravel or rubble bottoms

• Shallow riffle areas

• Dense aquatic weeds

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the primary means by which channel catfish locate food in turbid water?

• Touch

• Eyesight

• Taste

• Smell

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

At what water temperature do channel catfish experience optimum growth?

• 95°F (35°C)

• 65°F (18°C)

• 85°F (29°C)

• 75°F (23°C)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What is the average size of channel catfish caught by fishermen in natural waters?

• Less than 2 pounds

• 2 to 3 pounds

• 4 to 5 pounds

• Over 5 pounds

What is the lethal oxygen level for both wild and farm-raised channel catfish?

• 0.5 ppm

• 1.0 ppm

• 2.0 ppm

• 3.0 ppm

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How do channel catfish obtain oxygen for respiration?

• Through their skin

• Through their gills

• Through their lungs

• Through their mouth