The Channel Catfish's Family Tree
Domain:
Eukarya
Contains multicellular organisms with true,
membrane bound, nuclei and membrane bound organelles.
Kingdom: Anamalia
Consists of heterotrophic
organisms, without cell walls, which undergo embryonic
development to produce tissues.
Phylum: Chordata
Possess four distinct features, each at
some point in the life cycle. These features are:
pharyngeal gill slits,
a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord and a tail.
Class: Actinopterygii
These are the ray finned fishes equipped
with a swim bladder.
Order: Siluriformes
Equipped with four sets of barbels and
locking fin spines.
Family: Ictaluridae
Possess no scales, the presence of stinging
spines is noticeable and eight barbels are present for sensory
adaptations.
Genus: Ictalurus
Greek word for fish cat. Described by
the presence of "whisker-like" barbels.
Species: Ictalurus punctatus
Please note that each of the phylogenetic trees that follow are based on morphological aspects.
Broad Resolution: Relationships from the Domain to Family. Refined Resolution: Relationships within the Ictalurus genus.
You now know the classification of a channel catfish. But, would you know a channel cat if you saw one? To learn about its features see Identification!