Siluriformes, as well as Characiformes and Cypriniformes, are a divers
e and widespread group of Ostariophysan fishes, but Siluriformes have
a probable ancestral benthic feeding habit. They have a unique suite o
f morphological, physiological, ecological and behavioural traits that
equip them to succeed in freshwaters but only to a limited extent in
the sea. They are typically, non-aggressive stalking predators that hu
nt at night or in turbid water using primarily nonvisual sense organs,
although there are many exceptions. The modification of the Weberian
apparatus for sound production has probably resulted in some loss of b
uoyancy control. Catfishes are represented in all the different breedi
ng guild categories and exhibit diverse and sometimes bizarre breeding
methods. Catfishes tend towards the altricial end of the altricial-pr
ecocial life-history continuum. Only two families (Ariidae and Plotosi
dae) have successfully colonised the sea; physiological constraints an
d strong competition from Elasmobranchii and Actinopterygii fishes are
probable reasons, and it is notable that the two families that have s
ucceeded have precocial life histories that are more suited to highly
competitive environments.