Ictalunis punctatus


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!

 

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