Channel cats are tolerant of adverse conditions such as low oxygen levels and warm waters, but to a lesser degree than bullheads. Channel catfish also differ from the bullheads in their nest building technique. Rather than make a depression in the bottom, channel catfish make a tunnel. The tunnels are usually built under logs or in other protected areas where the water is clear. The male guards the eggs and young.
Channel catfish are most active just before sunrise and sunset.
Due to their larger size and clearer habitat, adult channel cats may eat more live fish than bullheads and have even been found to have birds in their stomachs. Channel cats play an important role as a food fish in the United States. They are raised for food on huge catfish farms in several southern states. Their unique ability to quickly turn food into flesh makes them perfect for this purpose. The culture and sale of catfish fillets are becoming a major agricultural industry.