The Channel catfish is North America's most numerous catfish species. It is the official fish of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Tennessee. In the United States, they are the most fished catfish species. They thrive in small and large rivers, reservoirs, natural lakes, and ponds. Channel "cats" are cavity nesters, meaning they lay their eggs in crevices, hollows, or debris, to protect them from swift currents.
Fun Fact Channel catfish possess a very high concentration of olfactory receptors in their nostrils. In addition, the channel catfish has taste buds distributed over the surface of its entire body. This combination of exceptional senses of taste and smell allows the channel catfish to find food in dark, stained, or muddy water with relative ease.