There are over 2000 species of catfish (order: Siluriformes), thus making them one of the largest fish orders. They vary greatly in body shape, pattern, and scale configuration. Catfish come from all types of environments in both fresh and salt water. Catfish belong to 34 families. Thirteen families are covered in this book. They include: the Aspredinidae (Banjo catfish), the Ariidae (Sea catfish), the Auchenipteridae (Driftwood catfish), the Callichthyidae (Armored catfish), the Chacidae (Squarehead catfish), the Doradidae (Thorny catfish), the Loricariidae (Suckermouth armored catfish), the Malapteruridae (Electric catfish), the Mochocidae (Naked catfish), the Pangassidae, the Pimelodidae (Flat-nosed catfish), the Schilbeidae (Glass catfish), and the Siluridae (Old-world catfish).



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