channel catfish

noun

1. a food fish, Ictalurus punctatus, common in fresh waters throughout central U.S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of channel catfish¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Other fish in the lake include channel catfish and smallmouth bass.

From Los Angeles Times

Fish found dead included bass, channel catfish, common carp, and one or more species of sucker fish.

From Seattle Times

Ben Tomkunas, 25, who caught what he thought was a Connecticut-record, 21.3-pound catfish Aug. 21, lost his state record when state Fish and Wildlife could not confirm whether it was a white catfish or a channel catfish.

From Seattle Times

It can be difficult to distinguish between white catfish and channel catfish, which are generally larger.

From Seattle Times

Based on popularity, the station narrowed the list down to the walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie muskellunge and goldfish.

From Washington Times