Title: Fish: Swimmers of the Swamp

1. What is it?
   • Fish are aquatic animals that live in water and breathe through gills. They are essential residents of swamps, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the ecosystem.
2. Scientific Name
   • Ictalurus punctatus (Channel Catfish)
3. Parts of the World it Can be Found
   • Fish inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments around the world. Channel Catfish are common in North America, especially in the central and eastern United States.
4. What Colors They Are
   • Fish come in a range of colors including silver, gold, blue, green, and red. Channel Catfish typically have a blue-gray color with a white underbelly.
5. What They Eat
   • Fish feed on algae, plankton, insects, and smaller fish. Channel Catfish are omnivores and will eat a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
6. Where They Sleep
   • Fish often rest in sheltered areas of the water, such as under rocks or plants, where they are protected from predators and strong currents.
7. How Old They Typically Live Until
   • Lifespans vary widely among fish species. Channel Catfish can live up to 15-20 years in the wild under optimal conditions.
8. Their Role in the Ecosystem
   • Fish help control insect and plant populations, serve as a food source for many predators, and contribute to the nutrient cycle through their waste products.
9. Other Interesting Facts About Them
   • Fish have a lateral line system that allows them to sense vibrations and movements in the water.
   • Some fish species can live in both freshwater and saltwater, adapting to different environments.