Catfish are common in the Midwestern United States. The catfish likes warm waters. It can be found in streams, rivers and lakes. This fish like to lie on muddy river bottoms. You can recognize a catfish by its cat-like whiskers.

A catfish has spines on some of its fins. These spines are hard and sharp. It uses the spines to help protect against predators.

The catfish feeds on the bottom of streams and lakes. It feeds at night. It is good at finding its food. A catfish uses its keen sense of smell. It uses its cat-like whiskers to feel for food. It eats small fish, insects and snails. One of its favorite foods is crayfish.