Detractors are swift to malign
The catfish for traits un-feline:
For they’ve whiskers, but no fur,
Can’t meow, lick or purr
And live just the one life, not nine.
See also this limerick’s Fishy Names companion pieces:
Catfish are named for their oral “whiskers,” called barbels. Barbels contain taste buds, which aid these bottom-feeders in locating and identifying prey, threats, mates and other objects in waters often murky from sediment. Humans have around 7,000 taste buds, while catfish have over 27,000.
