Taxonomic Classification of Catfish

 **Taxonomic Classification of Catfish**  

Catfish belong to the order **Siluriformes**, a diverse group of ray-finned fish within the class **Actinopterygii** (ray-finned fishes) . They are further divided into multiple families, including:  
- **Siluridae** (e.g., *Silurus asotus*, the common catfish) .  
- **Clariidae** (e.g., walking catfish) .  
- **Pangasiidae** (e.g., pangasius or Iridescent shark) .  
- **Ictaluridae** (North American catfish like channel catfish) .  
- **Clowns** (e.g., *Clarias batrachus*, the walking catfish) .  

### **Global Distribution**  
Catfish are one of the most widespread fish families, inhabiting both freshwater and brackish environments across all continents except Antarctica :  
1. **Africa**: Over 200 species, including the Nile catfish (*Lates niloticus*) and African walking catfish (*Clarias gariepinus*) .  
2. **Asia**: Dominated by species like the Mekong giant catfish (*Pangasianodon gigas*) and Chinese catfish (*Silurus meridionalis*) .  
3. **North America**: Channel catfish (*Ictalurus punctatus*), blue catfish (*Ictalurus furcatus*), and flathead catfish (*Pylodictis olivaris*) .  
4. **South America**: Piraíba (*Brachyplatystoma vaillantii*) and redtail catfish (*Phractocephalus hemioliopterus*) .  
5. **Europe**: Smaller species like the European catfish (*Silurus glanis*) .  
6. **Australia**: Limited to ~20 species, such as the Murray cod (*Maccullochella peelii*) .  

### **Fishing Gear Recommendations**  
#### **Rod Type**  
- **Heavy-Duty Rods**: Catfish are large and powerful, so use a **medium-heavy to heavy-action rod** (6–7 feet long) made of graphite or fiberglass for sensitivity and strength .  
- **Baitcasting or Spinning Reels**: Paired with durable reels (e.g., Shimano or Abu Garcia) capable of holding 200–300 yards of 20–50 lb test line .  

#### **Line and Hooks**  
- **Braided Line**: Preferred for its strength and abrasion resistance (30–50 lb test) .  
- **Hooks**: Use **circle hooks** (size 2/0 to 8/0) to minimize deep hooking and improve catch-and-release success .  

#### **Accessories**  
- **Weights/Sinkers**: Adjustable sinkers (e.g., slip sinkers) to maintain bait depth on riverbeds .  
- **Lures/Bait**: Stink baits, chicken liver, or live bait like crawfish and minnows .  

### **Key Considerations**  
- **Nocturnal Fishing**: Catfish are most active at dusk and night; use lighted bobbers or glow-in-the-dark lures .  
- **Habitat Targeting**: Focus on structures like submerged logs, river bends, or deep holes .  

For detailed techniques, refer to sources on rigging and regional species behavior .