Wels Catfish

Descrizione

Silurus glanis, commonly known as the Wels Catfish, is a large, freshwater catfish native to wide areas of central, southern, and eastern Europe, and western Asia. It is the largest freshwater fish in Europe and one of the largest in the world, characterized by its elongated, scaleless body, broad, flattened head, and distinctive long barbels. This species is a formidable apex predator in its native and introduced ranges, playing a significant ecological role.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

eel-like

Colorazione

Typically dark olive to black on the back, fading to greenish-brown or yellowish-white on the flanks and belly. Often mottled or marbled with darker spots or stripes. Albino and xanthic forms exist.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Very long, compressed body, tapering towards the tail., Broad, flattened head with a very wide mouth., Six barbels: two very long barbels on the upper jaw (maxillary) and four shorter barbels on the lower jaw (mandibular)., Small, widely spaced eyes., Absence of scales, skin is smooth and slimy., A single, very small dorsal fin located far forward., A very long anal fin extending from mid-body to the caudal fin.

Pinna dorsale

Very small, with 3-5 soft rays, positioned anteriorly.

Pinna caudale

Rounded or slightly emarginate, confluent with the anal fin in larger specimens.

Pinna pettorale

Large and rounded, with a strong, serrated spine.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin is extremely long, extending for more than half the body length, with 83-92 soft rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Habitat

Tipo di acqua

freshwater

Profondità

Prefers deeper, slow-moving or stagnant waters, but can be found in shallower areas, especially at night for feeding. Typically found from surface to several meters deep.

Ambiente

Large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and sometimes brackish estuaries. Favors areas with dense vegetation, submerged structures, and muddy or silty bottoms for cover and ambush hunting. Tolerant of low oxygen levels.

Areale geografico

Native to Eastern Europe (e.g., Danube, Dnieper, Volga river basins), Western Asia (e.g., Aral Sea basin). Widely introduced across Western Europe (e.g., Rhine, Rhône, Po, Ebro rivers) and parts of Asia, often becoming an invasive species.

Informazioni sull'acquario

• Livello di cura: expert
• Temperamento: aggressive
• Dieta: carnivore
• Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for typical home aquariums due to immense size; requires specialized, very large public aquarium setups.
• Temperatura: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
• Livello di pH: 6.0-8.0
• Durezza: 5-20 dGH
• Compatibilità: Only compatible with other very large, robust fish in extremely spacious, specialized exhibits, or kept singly.
• Requisiti speciali: Requires an exceptionally large, custom-built tank or pond with powerful filtration, ample hiding spots, and a constant supply of large live or dead prey. Not recommended for private aquarists.

Informazioni in natura

• Stato di conservazione: least concern
• Stagionalità: Spawning occurs from May to July when water temperatures reach 18-22°C. Feeding activity is highest during warmer months and at night.
• Prezzo di mercato: Varies by region, generally moderate for food fish, high for trophy angling tourism.
• Importanza commerciale: medium
• Sapore: Mild, slightly earthy, can be fatty.
• Consistenza: Firm, flaky, white flesh.
• Metodi di cottura: Fried, baked, smoked, grilled, stewed
• Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Larger, older fish can accumulate contaminants.

Fatti chiave

Specie simili

Classificazione scientifica

Regno

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordine

Siluriformes

Famiglia

Siluridae

Genere

Silurus

Specie

Silurus glanis

Esplora Wels Catfish