Learn more fun facts on the National Catfish Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AppreciationFoodWildlife
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 25
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐟
National Catfish Day swims into action every June 25, celebrating the delicious and sustainable aquatic animal. Learn about its unique characteristics, culinary versatility, and the positive impact of catfish farming. Dive into recipes, find local eateries, and share your favorite catfish dishes to join the festivities!
Want to sponsor National Catfish Day? Learn how
Expected National Catfish Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Catfish Day often inspires local restaurants and seafood markets to reel in special deals. Expect chains like Long John Silver’s and independent seafood shacks to offer discounted catfish platters, sandwiches, or all-you-can-eat specials. Grocery stores such as Kroger and Walmart may feature sales on fresh or frozen catfish fillets, while specialty seafood retailers like Whole Foods Market could highlight sustainably sourced options. Look for cooking classes or recipe demonstrations from brands like Louisiana Fish Fry Products or Zatarain’s. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Catfish Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCatfishDay. Film a ‘cook with me’ video featuring your favorite catfish recipe, or a fun fact about catfish.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCatfishDay. Share mouth-watering photos of fried catfish, grilled catfish, or unique catfish dishes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCatfishDay. Share local restaurant specials or discuss your family’s favorite catfish traditions.
National Catfish Day Hero
President Ronald Reagan
History of National Catfish Day
The first National Catfish Day was celebrated in 1987 after President Ronald Reagan’s proclamation in his speech. It’s true that ‘catfish’ is a strange subject to be included in a presidential speech, but one must acknowledge the reasoning behind it. During the 1980s, catfish production was growing in the United States. The food was becoming popular, and so was the stability of the income source that catfish farming was allowing fish farmers. Congressman Mike Espy realized the potential the growing industry had. With the help of other congressmen, he strived to introduce the fish as part of the military meal given to soldiers at luncheons. Further push in favor of the industry also led to Espy submitting the National Catfish Day commemorative bill. His efforts also boosted his popularity during elections, further increasing the growing demand for catfish all over America.
Catfish belong to the ray-finned fish family. This species is usually a bottom feeder, which means it will feed on the bottom of a water body, although it can still be trained to become a surface feeder. Their reduced gas bladder and a rather heavy- and bony head help them to sink easily. Catfish come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most will have a cylindrical body. Because of the ease involved in breeding them, catfish farms take up one-third of all finned fish in America. Channel catfish and blue catfish are the most sold species. Catfish have a variety of health benefits including high vitamin D. It pairs well with cajun spices, but at the same time, a little lemon and butter help in developing and bringing out the scrumptiousness of the fish. You can also enjoy it in sandwiches and in baked pasta dishes.
National Catfish Day timeline
The heaviest catfish is caught in the Santee Cooper Reservoir in South Carolina and it weighs 58 pounds.
Catfish farming increases by a whopping 1200% in 10 years.
President Ronald Regan announces the first National Catfish Day to be celebrated on June 25.
India bans catfish farming in certain areas of the country after the species is found to be a danger to indigenous animals.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Catfish Day
Local restaurants and seafood markets can celebrate National Catfish Day by featuring special catfish dishes or offering discounts on their most popular preparations. Establishments might host a ‘Catfish Cook-Off’ or a tasting event to showcase the versatility of the fish. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of fresh catfish fillets, paired with seasonings and side dish ingredients, to inspire home cooks.
National Catfish Day FAQs
When is National Catfish Day?
National Catfish Day 2026 falls on Thursday, June 25, inviting everyone to celebrate this unique aquatic delicacy. It’s a perfect mid-week opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal.
How popular is catfish in the U.S.?
Catfish is one of the most consumed fish species in America, with U.S. farm-raised catfish accounting for a significant portion of the domestic aquaculture industry. Millions enjoy its mild flavor and flaky texture.
What is the origin of the name 'catfish'?
The name ‘catfish’ comes from the prominent barbels that protrude from around the fish’s mouth, resembling the whiskers of a cat. These barbels are sensory organs that help the fish find food in murky waters.
Is catfish farming sustainable?
Yes, U.S. farm-raised catfish is considered a highly sustainable seafood choice. The industry adheres to strict environmental regulations, ensuring responsible waste management and efficient feed conversion.
How To Celebrate National Catfish Day
Eat catfish
Commemorate the day by eating catfish for one or more of your meals throughout the day. You can have it grilled, baked, or fried, or you can have it in a salad or a sandwich. Either way, the catfish is going to taste great.
Try a new catfish dish
That which is old and familiar is comfortable, no doubt. But the new brings with it a sense of adventure and new facets. This is your chance to take up the opportunity to try a new catfish dish to excite your taste buds.
Visit a catfish farm
Visit a catfish farm to get in on the action. Learn all about the life cycle and habits of these aquatic creatures from the experts.
5 Facts About Fish That Will Blow Your Mind
Fish are social animals
Fish are extremely social as they form relationships with other fish, benefitting from them for food sources.
Fish have great memories
Contrary to popular belief, many fish have great memories because they remember the humans who gave them food or the animals who helped them find food.
An abundant aquatic species
There are about 30,000 species of fish that have been identified, but scientists reckon that more types of fish are yet to be discovered.
Fish can talk to each other
Using acoustic sounds underwater, fish belonging to the same species can communicate with each other about eating and mating habits.
Fish have thousands of taste buds
Fish have around 27,000 taste buds all over their body and this means that they can taste even without opening their mouths.
Why We Love National Catfish Day
It’s a celebration of catfish
The catfish is one of the most consumed fish in the history of America. In many ways, catfish food items have become part of the traditional American spread that can be found on school menus, military luncheons, and restaurant favorites.
It’s a celebration of history
You can learn a lot about the history and culture of a country by looking at its food items, and catfish consumption in the U.S. is no different. Catfish brought in revolutions in the fish farming world by stabilizing the country’s economy. It also played a huge role in Mike Epsy’s monumental congress bill and his election win.
It’s a celebration of taste
The catfish is quite versatile when it comes to serving it as a dish. You can have it in a variety of ways, be it in salads or burgers. Because of the inherent health benefits of the catfish, you can have it even when you are dieting.
Social Media Tips for National Catfish Day
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