Some catfish species can live in saltwater, therefore survive in the seas. There are over three thousand catfish species in the world. Over time, these fish species have developed adaptable features to survive in different climates and water conditions.
Can Catfish Live in Saltwater and Sea?
Catfish are resilient fish species; however, a majority of the common catfish species are known to be predominantly freshwater fish. But it was not surprising to find catfish among the catch made by fishers who go out into the seas in search of bigger fish.
However, considering the size of seas and those larger aquatic animals that live there, it is likely that catfish will fall prey to bigger sea animals. But we know that catfish multiply quickly and are bottom feeders. These qualities can help the saltwater catfish species survive in the highly saline seas.
Catfish species that live in seas
Two main catfish species have been observed to prefer the saline waters of the seas to rivers and lakes around us; they are the hardhead and gaff-topsail catfish. These catfish species have similar features like the regular flathead catfish, but they tend to grow bigger and have deeper colors such as brown or dark blue.
We know about these two catfish species because they are often caught by anglers who fish in the seas. Just like many other catfish species, the catfish that live in salt water can also be eaten. For example, the gaff-topsail catfish found in the seas is known to be very delicious when cooked. It has lots of flesh and oils that add an amazing flavor to the meal. However, it is important to have catfish species caught in seas properly analyzed before eating, if they are not one of the common species we know live in salt water.
What do saltwater catfish eat?
In the seas, there is high competition for food because of the population of aquatic animals. There should be enough room for every animal in the seas considering its size, but we know how the competition for food never really goes away. Catfish species in seas feed on mainly aquatic animals that are smaller in size. For example, the hardhead catfish found in the Atlantic feeds on crabs, shrimps, and small fish that live in the saltwater seas.
While food is necessary to survive in the seas, the anatomy of catfish species that live in salt water features a system that thrives on blood with high saline levels. Without salinity in the bloodstream, these fish species will not last long in the sea.
There is no concrete evidence to confirm how long saltwater catfish species live. Considering the size of the adult catfish that have been caught, it can be assumed they live for a few years.
The saltwater catfish also have a market value. For this reason, anglers can decide to keep them when these species are discovered in a fishnet that has just been pulled out of the sea. On the other hand, some anglers prefer to release saltwater catfish back into the seas to preserve their species.
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