Are Catfish Related To Sharks?

If you closely observe the movement of a catfish in the water, you can identify some similarities with the carriage of sharks. This and other reasons have made some people believe that catfish are related to sharks. But are they really?

I have done some research to find out if there is any connection between catfish and sharks.

Are Catfish Related To Sharks?

Catfish are predominantly freshwater fish species, some catfish species have been introduced to salt water, and they thrived, but only a few. The flathead catfish which are very common can be found in rivers and lakes in many parts of the world.

The Mekong giant catfish would have been the closest relative to the sharks, but despite its huge size, the Mekong giant catfish looks nothing like any shark species.

One similarity that can be identified as a common feature between sharks and catfish is their bodies. Both species have no scales on their skin. Fish can be identified because of their scales; many other fish species have scales. Sharks and catfish are among the few fish species with no scales on their bodies. Can this be the reason some people have indicated a relationship between them?

Regarding their features, there are few indications that sharks and catfish are related. The catfish can be easily spotted among a group of other fish because they have barbels which stand out prominently in adult catfish. Sharks don’t have these features. It is unlikely that fish with distant links will have such distinguishing differences.

Also, their habitat should be considered. Sharks thrive in the deepest parts of the ocean. These are areas catfish cannot exist because many of the fish species in those parts are much bigger than the catfish species making them potential prey. However, sharks can find larger prey to satisfy their hunger in the deepest parts of oceans.

Some people have cited the ferocious nature of both fish species as similar. They are correct. Sharks are very aggressive and won’t hesitate to attack smaller fish or aquatic animals that can be their prey. This attitude is noticeable among the catfish. Even though the catfish prey is much smaller, for example, crustaceans, minnows, and small fish species, you will notice apparent aggression when a catfish goes after prey.

Sharks are known to migrate to other parts of the oceans and seas when there is a shortage of food. Sharks can travel for miles in search of favorable waters. On the other hand, catfish tend to stay in a particular region where they feed and multiply without any signs of migrating to other parts of the river or lake.

The reproductive process for these two fish species is also different. Catfish spawn like other fish species, the female lays eggs in a nest underwater, and the male catfish sprays the eggs with its sperm to fertilize them. The reproductive system in sharks is oviparous. The male shark uses a special fin to inject its sperm into the female shark for fertilization to occur.

Different species of sharks have been caught by deep sea fishers; however, it is known that sharks are generally unsuitable as food. However, catfish is a delicacy in many parts of the world.

Considering this information, it is unlikely that the catfish are part of the shark family.

Related: