Fin's Fish Guide
The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 273 cm.
Originally in fresh and slightly brackish water of Central and Eastern Europe, in large rivers, lakes and reservoirs; widely introduced for angling.
Description
The wels catfish is a gigantic, scaleless freshwater predator of the family Siluridae that can exceed 2.5 metres and hundreds of kilograms, making it one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. The elongate body has a broad, flat head with an enormous mouth, small eyes, six barbels (two long on the upper jaw, four short on the lower jaw) and a very long anal fin reaching to the tail. The species is native to large rivers and lakes of central and eastern Europe but has been widely stocked for angling and grows especially huge in southern Europe. As a nocturnal predator it eats fish, crayfish, amphibians and sometimes waterbirds. The wels catfish is a popular, powerful sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Wels catfish?
The Wels catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Giant, scaleless freshwater predator with a broad, flat head, an enormous mouth, six barbels and a very long anal fin; one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world.
Where does the Wels catfish live?
The Wels catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Originally in fresh and slightly brackish water of Central and Eastern Europe, in large rivers, lakes and reservoirs; widely introduced for angling.
How big does the Wels catfish get?
The Wels catfish grows to a maximum of about 273 cm.
Is the Wels catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Wels catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Wels catfish edible?
Yes, the Wels catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Silurus
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Wels catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wels catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.