How did the catfish get its name? Probably from the whiskers around its mouth, much like a cat’s. These give them a warning signal of dangers and are also an important means of finding food.
There are many species of freshwater and saltwater catfish. Freshwater catfish are found in the Great Lakes and other lakes, rivers and streams throughout the United States. There’s not much beauty in them, except that some species have a rainbow mixture of colors on fins, tails and bodies. The most outstanding is called the blue catfish. Fully grown, it may reach five feet in length and weigh up to 100 pounds. Others vary in size, all the way down to only a pound or less.
Some that live in ocean waters along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico include the white catfish, the sea catfish, and the gaff-topsail. Most like waters with muddy bottoms where they prowl for food and where they can quickly wiggle when escaping an enemy.
Catfish have no scales, but very sensitive skin. This enables any part of their bodies to detect food that may be hidden in the sand or mud, as well as locating bugs on underwater plants, another source of food. Their sensitive skin also enables them to quickly detect the approach of an enemy. The Creator has provided well for them, both in food and protection from harm in muddy, dark waters.
After the female lays her eggs in the spring, the male gathers them all into his mouth to incubate them. He eats no food while carrying them in his mouth until well after the young hatch, a period of two months. Then he deposits the little fish in nearby weeds. When they have grown some and gained strength, the young fish are “on their own.” The parents sometimes find them a tempting bit of food. But the little ones, soon aware of the danger, swim far away to live on their own.
Catfish are good to eat. Tremendous quantities are caught in the Mississippi River and other rivers and lakes. The demand for catfish is so great that huge quantities are raised in fish “farms.” Many of these are kept alive in special tank cars and shipped to restaurants throughout the country.
Isn’t it nice to realize that the Lord God, the Creator, watches over all His creation, including these unusual fish? But how much greater is His love and care over boys and girls, as well as men and women. He gives this loving invitation to each one: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28,2928Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28‑29).
JUNE 26, 1994
ML-06/26/1994