How does the White Catfish's utilization of benthic resources subtly differ from the Channel Catfish's habitat preference?

White Catfish often tolerate slightly muddier or slower water than the Channel Catfish

While both the White Catfish and the Channel Catfish belong to the same family (Ictaluridae) and share a general ecological niche as omnivorous scavengers relying heavily on bottom-dwelling resources, subtle differences in habitat tolerance exist that influence their distribution. Both species utilize the benthic zone for foraging, but the White Catfish displays a greater adaptability to less ideal conditions regarding water movement and clarity. Specifically, it is noted that the White Catfish can thrive successfully in environments characterized by slower currents and higher turbidity (muddier water). In contrast, the Channel Catfish may show a slight preference or requirement for conditions that are slightly less silty or possess a more noticeable flow, although significant overlap in distribution and resource use is observed between the two closely related species.