Catfish

Despite this tremendous diversity in size, shape and temperament, Catfish do share some common characteristics which define them as such.  Catfish have between 1 - 4 pairs (usually 4) of highly sensitive whiskers known as barbels, each equipped with numerous "taste buds" to aid the Catfish in its search for food.  In some species, such as the 'Pictus Cats', these can be longer than the fishes entire body.

All Catfish lack scales.  Many are protected by armour plating in the form of tough overlapping dermal plates while others have a smooth silky skin covering their entire body.    Catfish are also characterised by having 3 venomous spines as the leading ray in the Dorsal and each of the Pectoral fins.  In many species this venom is so weak as to go almost un-noticed, but in others it can cause quite a painful wound, something to be wary off when handling Catfish in the aquarium.