National Catfish Day

Alright folks, it’s time to grab your fishing gear and your spices, because we're about to ride the wave into the story of National Catfish Day! Now, this isn't about celebrating those sneaky internet deceivers, oh no — it’s about honoring the actual, swimming, gills-and-all, fish called catfish. So, on June 25th, you're invited to join a legion of whiskered-fish lovers around the world for some serious catfish adoration instead of dealing with online personas.

When is Catfish Day?

It's national catfish day on the 25th June.

What's the Story?

National Catfish Day finds its origins in the United States. President Ronald Reagan designated June 25th as National Catfish Day back in 1987 with a presidential proclamation that aimed to ‘boost the United States catfish farming industry.’ So, that should clear up any remaining doubts—if there’s a day for catfish appreciation and, quite frankly, consumption—it’s today.

Fishy Facts

Did you know that despite the name, not all catfish have prominent barbels (those whisker-like appendages on their face)? But don't let this fact slow down your celebration. With more than 3000 species worldwide, there are plenty of catfishes to appreciate! Their diversity is enough to keep us shouting, 'Long Live Catfish,' all day.

How the Internet Celebrates

Our data options have detected 3784 mentions of National Catfish Day online, peaking on June 25th, 2015. This day really made a splash as social platforms fired up with catfish recipes, tales of fishing adventures, and photos of impressive catches. We’ve seen tweets about favorite catfish 'hole' locations and Facebook posts inviting friends and family to catfish-themed backyard BBQs. Citizens of the interwebs have truly helped to honor the whiskered aquatic citizens of our waterways in style.

Join the Celebration

So, how can you join these fine folks in commemorating our finned friends? Fish or no fish, you can always rustle up a catfish dish in spirit. Why not enjoy the day by trying a traditional Southern U.S. catfish recipe or simply by visiting an aquarium to learn more about these fantastic fish? So, dive in, the water’s fine!

History behind the term 'Catfish'

1887

Catfish as a Fish Species

The term 'catfish' originated in 1887 to refer to a type of freshwater fish that belongs to the family of ray-finned fish. Catfish are known for their whisker-like barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers and help them navigate their surroundings. These fish are popular as a food source in many cultures due to their mild and delicate flavor.

1992

Catfish as Online Identity

In 1992, the term 'catfish' took on a new meaning in the world of online relationships. The documentary 'Catfish,' directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, explored the deceptive practice of creating false online identities to trick unsuspecting individuals into romantic relationships. The film introduced the term 'catfish' as a metaphor for someone who pretends to be someone else online, often using fake profile pictures and personal information.

2010

Catfishing Enters Mainstream

In 2010, the documentary 'Catfish' inspired the creation of the television series of the same name. The show followed a similar format, investigating the truth and deceit behind online relationships. The term 'catfishing' gained traction and entered mainstream vocabulary, becoming synonymous with the act of creating a false online identity for deceptive purposes.

2012

Catfish Enters Dictionaries

The term 'catfish' gained significant popularity and recognition in 2012 when it was officially included in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. This inclusion solidified the term's cultural impact and acknowledged its widespread usage to describe online deception and the practice of creating fake identities on the internet.

2021

Catfish as Social Phenomenon

In the present day, 'catfish' has become a widely recognized term, not only in online communities but also in everyday conversations. It has transcended its original meaning as a fish species, evolving into a symbol of caution and skepticism when navigating the digital world. The term 'catfish' serves as a reminder to be cautious of interactions with unknown individuals online, and it continues to shape our understanding of online authenticity and trust.

Did you know?

Did you know catfish have taste buds all over their bodies? This gives them a super fishy power to taste anything they touch —now that's a whole new kind of pickiness!