What morphological features identify the Order Siluriformes, to which the White Catfish belongs?

Absence of scales and the presence of barbels around the mouth

The order Siluriformes, encompassing all catfish species, is defined by several distinct physical attributes that set them apart from many other bony fish lineages. Chief among these characteristics is the notable absence of scales covering the body, providing a smooth or bony-plated exterior instead of the typical overlapping scales found on ray-finned fishes in many other orders. Furthermore, a universal trait for catfish, which aids in sensory perception, is the presence of barbels surrounding the mouth area. These barbels are fleshy, whisker-like projections that function as crucial sensory organs, allowing the fish to detect chemical cues and navigate or forage along the substrate, especially in turbid or dark environments where sight is limited. This combination of scale loss and specialized sensory appendages is the hallmark of the Siluriformes order.