Clarias Batrachus, commonly referred to as the Walking Catfish, is one of Florida's many invasive species. These fish have a long body, a wide anterior, and a slender rear. With small eyes and villiform teeth, the coloration of these fish ranges from dark brown or purple to black (with white specks on their rear and gray green fins). The Walking Catfish is highly variable in structure and is one of the few species in which an albino variety exists. Biologically, these fish possess a large accessory-breathing organ, which enables them to breath atmospheric oxygen. They are very well known for their ability to walk on land for long distances, especially during or immediately following rainfall. This species is found in all types of water, but is more common in turbid, muddy, and swampy wat
ers. The Walking catfish is a tropical species with a moderate tolerance to colder waters. During cold dry months, these catfish burrow into the sides of ponds and streams where they remain dormant until the spring rains initiate.
I cannot foresee humans being able to go out and catch many of the catfish in order to control the problem. There's a possibility that science could play some sort of role here by creating a poison that would not harm any species except the Walking catfish. But I imagine the best solution would lie in finding a natural predator of the species and introducing them into the area (controlled in some way so they don't simply overlap the previous invasive species).
Since its introduction in the 1960s, the species has rapidly expanded its range throughout Florida. It is a voraciou
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