Catfish Teeth: Discover the Full Story on Their Bite

There are over 3,000 recognized species of catfish, ranging in size from the pygmy corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus), which grows to just an inch long, to the Wels catfish (Silurus glanis), which can reach over 9 feet in length. Catfish can be found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers around the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Almost all catfish species have barbels, or whiskers, on their faces, which is how catfish got their name. But do all catfish have teeth? Read on to find out.

Do Catfish Have Teeth?

Nearly all catfish species have some type of dentition, but a few species do not have teeth at all. For example, the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas), which is among the largest freshwater fish in the world, does not have teeth as an adult. It has specialized mouthparts that it uses to scrape algae off rocks and other underwater objects.

In contrast, the goonch catfish (Bagarius yarrelli) is known for its large, sharp, prominent teeth. Goonch catfish have multiple rows of teeth, similar to those of a shark. These teeth are curved backward to grasp and secure prey so it cannot escape. Fatal attacks on humans along the Kali River in India and Nepal have even been attributed to goonch catfish, although definitive scientific proof is lacking and the attribution is based on circumstantial evidence and local reports.

Most catfish, however, fall in between these two extremes. Generally, catfish have hundreds of cardiform teeth. Cardiform teeth are fine, dense patches of pointed teeth located on the roof of the fish’s mouth. They are said to look like tiny needles or stiff wire bristles, similar to those found on brushes used to groom pets.

Cardiform Teeth

Catfish do not use their cardiform teeth to chew. These teeth feel like sandpaper to the touch, but they help catfish grasp and hold prey with a velcro-like grip. These teeth are angled toward the throat to prevent prey from escaping, allowing the catfish to swallow slippery food whole.

Some catfish can also extend their mouths and flare their gills to create a strong vacuum, pulling in both prey and water. Since they cannot bite or chew, catfish rely on the bones in their skull, as well as their throat and body muscles, to push prey toward their esophagus. Catfish that do not have protrusible mouths, such as the flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), have a broad mouth gape to gulp large prey, which they secure with their teeth before swallowing.

How Do Catfish Hunt for Food?

Catfish are generally nocturnal bottom feeders that hunt in low-light conditions, using their barbels to locate prey. Their barbels contain taste buds and sensory organs capable of detecting both chemical and mechanical signals. Species such as the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) also have taste buds distributed across their skin, which helps compensate for their poor eyesight.

Some catfish are predatory ambush hunters. The flathead catfish lies in wait under rocks or inside logs to catch unsuspecting prey. They typically hunt at night, camouflaging themselves on muddy river bottoms to launch quick attacks. Other species are more opportunistic scavengers, feeding on whatever resources are most abundant and readily available.

The Catfish Diet

A catfish’s specific diet depends on its species and habitat. Larger catfish are often apex predators in their ecosystems. Some are strict piscivores, which means they only eat other fish. Others are carnivores with a more varied diet. Some species are omnivores, and they eat both plant and animal matter. Catfish tend to be opportunistic feeders and will often eat any easily accessible meal.

Generally, catfish feed on aquatic insects and invertebrates, smaller fish, mollusks, crustaceans like crayfish, and various types of aquatic plants. They may also consume dead or decaying organic material. Younger catfish usually consume more insects, invertebrates, and plant matter, while older catfish are typically more carnivorous.