In general, ictalurids are versatile omnivores. They are relatively inactive, although marine catfish (family Arridae) appear to be more active than freshwater species and spend more time off the bottom. None of the species are particularly streamlined for efficient or rapid swimming, except that some species (channel cats, marine cats) have forked tails, which suggests some degree of swimming specialization. The maxillary and other barbels maximize their ability to find food at night or in turbid water where sight is largely useless. Other than the barbels, the digestive tract is of moderate size and length, showing little specialization