Ictaluridae

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The Ictaluridae, sometimes called Ictalurids, are a family of catfish native to North America.

The North American catfish has acquired an association with American Southern folklore which exceeds its place as a mere food fish. The image of cane pole fishing for catfish at a proverbial lazy stream has become a stand-by of southern Americana. Even today the catfish fishing culture features use of arcane "stink baits" and elaborate night-fishing techniques, giving catfish fishing a uniqueness in approach and emphasis as contrasted with the technology-oriented realms of fishing such as bass fishing.

One of the largest species is the blue catfish, specimens of which have been found to weigh over 50 kilograms. The bullheads, on the other hand, are small catfish which at maturity often weigh less than half a kilogram, while the madtom is in general much smaller. As with other species of catfish, these species have barbels (commonly referred to as "whiskers" as applied to catfish) and the ability to inflict painful stings with poison embedded in fins.

In some areas, the bullhead is seen as a desirable fishing quarry, for its fighting qualities exceed its size. In other areas, it is seen as a nuisance fish due to its efficient bait-stealing qualities.

Both bullheads and mad toms tend to be found in small streams and ponds, but are also known in larger bodies of water. Channel catfish, bullheads and mad toms are "bottom feeders" with widely varied diets that include scavenging.

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