Why are many catfishes most active at night?

Catfishes are generally most active at night or under conditions of reduced light intensity. This nocturnal behavior is linked to their adaptation as benthic (bottom-dwelling) animals.1

Because many catfishes inhabit environments like muddy waters where vision is limited, they have evolved to rely less on sight and more on other sensory systems. They possess a high degree of chemosensory acuity, with taste buds covering their lips, barbels, and most of their bodies, which allows them to locate food effectively in low-light conditions. Furthermore, some nocturnal species rest during the day in protected areas, such as holes or thick vegetation, to avoid predation and conserve energy.23