Catfish are slimy due to the mucus they secrete, which is thick and sticky. This coating has multiple functions, including protecting the fish from disease and repairing damaged areas of its body quicker through coagulating agents found within the slime.
Catfish aren’t the only fish that has slime. In fact, every species of fish has some amount of slime. The difference is that most fish have a protective layer of scales. The problem for catfish is that they do not have scales and to make up for this defensive deficit, they produce a lot of slimy mucus.
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Why are Catfish Slimy?
Catfish aren’t the only fish that has slime. In fact, every species of fish has some amount of slime. The difference is that most fish have a protective layer of scales. The problem for catfish is that they do not have scales and to make up for this defensive deficit, they produce a lot of slimy mucus.
Benefits of Catfish Slime
There are many reasons why catfish have slime. In this portion let’s review the benefits of catfish slime.
Regulation & Protection
Catfish secrete a slime to help regulate their bodies, protect their bodies, and recover from wounds such as abrasions that would usually be guarded against by scales. This glycol-protein slime also makes it hard for catfish to get infected by parasites because the membrane is hard to penetrate.
The slime also contains a high concentration of the molecules that coagulate blood, forming clots that stop bleeding, and enzymes that accelerate cell division and the formation of new tissue.
New York Times (original context from January 26, 1988, Section C, Page 3)
The healing properties of catfish slime have been studied by scientists in the past. Although the evidence is inconclusive, some proposed that catfish slime helped their wounds heal up to three times faster than what was usual. They stated that the catfish slime has up to 60 different proteins that are responsible for healing and coagulating blood as well as anti-bacterial properties.
Reduces Drag
Catfish slim helps the fish swim. It reduces the water resistance of their skin which allows their skin to be hydrophobic to a degree. Furthermore, the slim allows them to easily move in and out of their regular environment, such as holes in undercuts, underwater structures, and whatever space they can lodge themselves into to feel safe and comfortable.
Respiratory Benefits
Some catfish are able to breathe through their skin as well as their gills. The slime on these catfish help with this process. The slime helps with the oxygen exchange for catfish that can breathe partially through their skin.
What Catfish Slime Made Of?
Catfish slime is a combination of different glycol-proteins. When combined with water, these glycol-proteins create a very slimy substance.
How to Get Rid of Catfish Slime
When cooking catfish is it imperative you get rid of the catfish slime.
Easy way to remove catfish slime
- Fill a large bowl with warm water and one cup of table salt
- Cut a lemon and squeeze 1/2 into the bowl
- Dip the gutted catfish into the bowl, then rub the other 1/2 of lemon over the surface of the fish until the slime is gone
The acidity in the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt will take off the catfish slime before long.
Is Catfish Slime Poisonous?
Catfish slime is not poisonous although any fish you are considering eating should be inspected for healthiness.