tfish day
By the President of the United States of America
More and more Americans are discovering a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish. In 1986, catfish comprised the third highest volume of finned fish consumed in the United States.Ninety-nine percent of all these catfish were farm-raised. Between 1975 and 1985, production of farm-raised catfish increased by 1200 percent. Most observers expect that production will continue to increase in 1987. Production costs of catfish farming, which have averaged only 65 cents per pound over the past 8 years, have resulted in a stable income for growers and an economical food product for consumers. The accompanying growth of the catfish processing industry also has created thousands of permanent jobs.Farm-raised catfish have come a long way from their bottom-feeding ancestors. The catfish that are available today, fresh or frozen in markets nationwide, are products of state-of-the-art methods of aquaculture. They thrive in clean freshwater ponds on many American farms, where they are surface-fed soybean meal, corn, fish meal, vitamins, and minerals. Farm-raised catfish not only furnish American consumers with a tasty delicacy but also provide a nutritious, low-calorie source of protein that is also low in cholesterol.In recognition of the value of farm-raised catfish, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 178, has designated June 25, 1987, as “National Catfish Day” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 25, 1987, as National Catfish Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh.Ronald Reagan
More about Catfish
Whether enjoyed as a delicacy, fished for sport or observed in a home aquarium, catfish are fascinating underwater creatures.
With the exception of Antarctica, catfish are present on all continents and are believed to comprise 3,000 unique species. Some catfish are inclined to inhabit freshwater ecosystems and can be found residing in rivers and streams. Others are content to call saltwater home. Catfish can be mere inches long or virtual giants, with the Mekong catfish in Asia reaching nearly nine feet in length and up to 646 pounds.
According to the outdoor experience resource American Expedition, one of the more popular North American catfish is the channel catfish. It is primarily fished as game and is sometimes known as the “Fork-Tailed Cat,” “Fiddler” or “Lady Cat.” The flathead catfish is another prominent North American species, as well as the blue catfish.
Catfish are easily recognized and distinguished from other fish due to some prominent characteristics. Catfish are named for their barbels around the mouth, which resemble cat’s whiskers. Catfish also have smooth, scaleless bodies and flat heads. Catfish are typically dull in color so they can blend into their surroundings, but there are some more brightly hued varieties.
Wild catfish are bottom feeders, and many are detrivores, or species that eat dead material on the bottom of bodies of water. However, catfish may eat aquatic insects, crayfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other fish. Farm-raised catfish bred for food can be trained to eat food pellets on the water’s surface.
Barbels and other sensory organs help catfish locate food in the dark waters they call home. They also have taste sensors all over the surface of their bodies. These taste buds detect chemicals in the water and respond to touch.
Catfish may not say “meow,” but they can produce various sounds. According to SoftSchools.com, catfish are able to produce and detect sound due to a bony structure that connects their swim bladder and auditory system. By rubbing together body parts or inducing vibration o