Genus Ictalurus, also known as channel catfish, is a popular freshwater fish native to North America. These fish are highly prized by anglers for their size and taste, and are often raised in commercial fisheries. While "Ictalurus" is the scientific genus name, there are several other common names that may be used to refer to this species of fish. Some of these synonyms include the mud cat, shovelhead cat, and fiddler. These names may vary depending on the region in which the fish are found, and can often be used interchangeably with the scientific name to refer to these large and impressive fish.