November 19th, 2012

Upon visiting Wrigley Corners many students often ask questions and are curious about our catfish. The number one question that is alway asked is, ‘is it dead?!’. Our response is always ‘no’, although the catfish doesn’t move much it is, in fact, alive. Our fish here at Wrigelys’ is quite simply lazy due to over feeding (previous owner) and consequently being overweight. This is usually the extent of the catfish inquiries, but this does not do the catfish much justice. So the blog today shall provide some more in-depth information about the fish.

Walking Catfish
Scientific name: (Clarius batrachus)

Stuff to know
-they have no scales
-they have a flat, wide head and a body that tappers at the tail
-to move outside of water they use their pectoral fins that are spine-like, and flex its’ body back and forth to create a ‘walking’ motion
-they can grow up to 24 inches
-they have a large breathing accessory that allows them to breath atmospheric oxygen
-known for the ability to walk on land for long distances

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that this type of catfish is an invasive species. They are mainly found in Southeast Asia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But the catfish has made its’ way into the USA. Florida, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Nevada and Massachusetts are the locations that the catfish has now established a home in.

But how has it made its’ way into the USA?
In the 1960’s it was imported from Thailand to Florida for trade. This type of trade was then banned around 1967. The catfish made its way around to the other locations most likely through tank releases into other bodies of water. In Florida, the walking catfish has been known to invade aquaculture farms and entering ponds. By doing so they are eating the prey within these waters and causing damage and harm to these ecosystems. From this invasions of species farms have had to take action by putting up fences to protect their farms. There also have been bans on owning walking catfish.

-Logan Co-op Student

Information found on: www.columbi.edu.com

Tags: Invasive species