National Catfish Month

National Catfish Month: Everything You Need to Know

It’s national catfish month! What better time to learn everything there is to know about everyone’s favorite fish? Whether you’re a fan of fried catfish, baked catfish, or grilled catfish, this is the post for you. Keep reading to learn all about the different types of catfish, where they come from, and how they got their signature taste.

What is a Catfish?

A catfish is a freshwater fish that gets its name from its whisker-like barbels. Catfish are found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams all over the world. There are over 3,000 different species of catfish, which vary in size, color, and taste.

The type of catfish most commonly consumed in the United States is the channel catfish. Channel catfish have a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness. They are often breaded and fried, but can also be baked or grilled.

How Did Catfish Get Their Signature Taste?

Catfish get their characteristic taste from the food they eat and the environment they live in. For example, channel catfish that live in rivers with high concentrations of dissolved minerals will have a different flavor than those who live in streams with less mineral content.

Some types of food—like chicken liver or nightcrawlers—can also affect the flavor of catfish. For example, chicken liver-fed catfish will have a stronger flavor than those who are not fed chicken liver.

Whether you like your catfish fried or grilled, baked or barbecued, there’s no denying that this fish is delicious. And now that you know a little bit more about where they come from and what gives them their signature taste, you can appreciate them even more. So go out and celebrate National Catfish Month by enjoying your favorite dish!