diving.voyage
Catfish

Marine life profile

Catfish

Recorded at 398 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Catfish around the world

Catfish are a diverse group of ray-finned fish of the order Siluriformes (historically Nematognathi). It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Dive sites398
Countries26
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Use body shape, fin outline, color pattern and swimming style to separate it from the surrounding reef community.

How It Behaves

It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Special Ability

Precise fins and a body shaped for its niche let it turn, hover or accelerate exactly where food and shelter demand.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.

Safety

Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

Catfish are named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, though not all catfish have prominent barbels.

Where to Find

Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.

Known countries

SwitzerlandUnited StatesAustraliaNetherlandsBrazilMexicoSouth AfricaPolandRomania