Catfish are usually described by anyone that has touched them as slimy and slick. Their streamlined bodies feel like a lubed up hot dog not scaly like other species of fish like trout or bass!
So, what are these fish’s bodies made out of? Do catfish have scales?
Catfish do not have scales. Their bodies are covered in a thick skin that has a viscous mucous to protect it. It makes the catfish really smooth to touch. Some catfish even absorb oxygen through their leather-like skins. The catfish skin feels smooth, but is also very tough and provides a layer of protection that is equivalent to other fish that have scales, but nonetheless, they do not have scales.
There are a few species of catfish that live in South America and Africa that have “amor-like” plates on their bodies that can be considered really large scales. The majority of the catfish family found in North and Central America though have no scales.
Do other fish have skin similar to Catfish?
Not all fish have scales. Sharks, sturgeon, lampreys, and catfish all have similar skin types and no scales. In some cases, a person may not be able to tell if a fish has scales just by looking at it. For example, catfish have no visible scales but they have a protective layer that is often mistaken for them!
What Are Catfish?
Catfish are a diverse fish species that can be found in both freshwater and marine habitats. They are called catfish because of their barbels, which resemble the whiskers on a cat.
The term catfish refers to a fish that belongs to the genus Ictalurus, which is more commonly known as channel catfish. The name catfish can be traced back to the 17th century and was in large part due to their ability to be able to live out of water for extended periods of time.
Today, there are approximately 25 species of catfish and they can be found living all over the world in fresh or saltwater habitats.
Many varieties of catfish have barbels near their mouths which help them search through sand or gravel beds when looking for food items like smaller crustaceans or worms.
Types of Catfish in North America
There are many species of catfish, but the two most common types in North America are channel catfish and blue catfish. Channel catfish live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams. Blue catfish tend to live in saltwater bays, estuaries, and coastal rivers. Both species can live for many years and get quite big.
Both species share similar skin and have no scales.
How to Prepare and Cook Catfish with no scales
Catfish are a popular fish in the United States and have been for decades. Catfish is a freshwater fish that thrives in warm, slow-moving waters.
They can be caught by spearing, netting, or by other methods of fishing with a pole.
Catfish meat is low in fat and high in protein, making it a good choice for those who want to watch their cholesterol intake or maintain a healthy weight. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s a great source of healthy fats!
Catfish can be prepared in many different ways including baked, grilled, fried, or boiled. Fried catfish tends to be the most popular and is often breaded before being deep fried until crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside.
I always recommend soaking a catfish to remove the muddy taste. Finding a good recipe and following the preparation instructions is important to having the meat taste like fish and not mud!
Catfish fillets typically take around ten minutes to cook thoroughly when boiled or pan-fried and will require less time if baking. When grilling catfish, make sure not to overcook it so that it stays juicy and moist instead of turning dry and tough.
Conclusion
So, do catfish have scales or not? The short answer is no, catfish have skin, not scales. Some have armor plating that utilizes large scales, but the majority of the species is scale-free.
