Discover the Town Proudly Known as the ‘Catfish Capital of the World`

While a couple of towns claim the title of “Catfish Capital of the World,” this town in Louisiana is the most well-known and has held the title in the state and beyond. Located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River, find out how this town earned the title “Catfish Capital of the World.”

What Are Catfish?

Of the order Siluriformes, the catfish got its name from the prominent barbels around the mouth, which look like cat whiskers. These barbels function as feelers to help catfish find food at the bottom of its watery habitat. Barbels are also equipped with taste buds, which enhance the catfish’s ability to find food.

Catfish live in areas of slow-moving water, such as rivers, reservoirs, or deep pools. There are almost 2,900 different species of catfish categorized within 35 families. Most are freshwater fish, but a few species dwell in saltwater habitats.

As bottom dwellers, catfish consume almost any variety of animal or plant matter. While they prefer fresh prey, like crayfish, shrimp, and algae, they will also eat dead substances. Because they are enormous eaters, have few predators, and have high reproduction rates, catfish are considered invasive in most areas. However, this little town in Louisiana got its claim to fame as the Catfish Capital of the World thanks to this fish.

The Catfish Capital of the World

Melville, Louisiana, is widely known as the Catfish Capital of the World. With only a population of 1,041 people, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, Melville is an old town with a long history in the fishing business. First founded in 1889, Melville is located in St. Landry Parish. It is about 50 miles northwest of Baton Rogue.

Melville once had several fishing docks and ice houses located on the Atchafalaya River. By the early 1900s, Melville shipped 50 barrels of fish daily.

Nowadays, Melville is still known for its world-class catfishing and savory catfish dishes. Also, Melville holds an annual Atchafalaya Catfish Festival to celebrate its title!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr – License / Original