59043).Occurs mainly in large lakes and rivers, though occasionally enters brackish water in the Baltic and Black Seas (Ref. Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is the largest freshwater fish in Europe. It is classified under the classification of Silurus. 9696).A nocturnal predator, foraging near bottom and in water column. It’s often thought that the Wels is responsible for a number of lake and river monster myths in its native range, which is central … Over the past 50 years, through deliberate or accidental introduction, this species – formerly native to eastern and central parts of the continent (particularly the Danube) – has colonised most of France’s major rivers. The British Record Fish Committee unfortunately stopped accepting record claims for Wels Catfish and closed the record list (see above), this followed a period of illegal fish smuggling into England from mainland Europe, during which some claims were submitted citing fisheries with no known history of Wels Catfish being present. However the rod caught records are dwarfed by 600lb + specimens caught by Russian trawlers, with scientific studies of Wels’ bones suggesting that a maximum size of 1,000lb is possible, believed to inhabit the vast Russian lakes where commercial trawling ships are unable to fish. The Mekong giant catfish is … Silurus glanis, sheatfish or wels catfish, is native to eastern Europe and Asia. After that they grow an average of 10-20 pounds a year with an expected lifespan in the wild is as high as 20-30 years old. What is the lifespan of catfish? Strong, balanced tackle is required to land larger specimens, with many anglers catching fish whilst Carp fishing with standard car tackle. Ledgered livebaits, such as Rudd and roach, can be presented just below the surface using a variety of rigs involving poly and cork balls, this method can produce very violent takes, so ensure you stay by your rods at all times! In addition, a number of short spikes on the edge of their gill rakers are used to manoeuvre prey, prior to it being swallowed whole. The wels catfish is the largest freshwater fish in Europe. A Catfish’s natural diet consists mainly of fish, but is a predator with a considerable appetite and varied palate and will consume amphibians, worms, crayfish, leeches, small swimming mammals like mice, rats or voles, and water birds from chicks to adult ducks. Copyright © 2010 - 2021 Farnham Angling Society - All rights reserved, Copyright © 2010 - 2021 Farnham Angling Society. The catfish patrolling the cooling pond of the Chernobyl power plant are certainly impressive – but despite the hyped-up headlines, radiation is not the reason for their oversized stature. 9988).Found in deep waters of dams constructed on the lower reaches of rivers (Ref. An international research team led by scientists from Estonian University of Life Sciences has for the first time sequenced and assembled the genome of the wels catfish (Silurus glanis). The Wels Catfish uses its jaws to grip prey before passing it to two sets of crushing pads at the back of the throat, where the prey is crushed. Depending on the type of species, catfish can in fact live from eight to twenty years, although the Mekong giant lives 60 plus years. These large fish usually range anywhere from 2 to 20 kg (5 to 45 lb) in weight, with uniques specimen sometimes weighing up to 90 kg (200 lb)! 1 River Monsters 1.1 European Maneater 1.2 Atomic Assassin 2 Mighty Rivers 2.1 Mighty Rivers: The Danube 3 Dark Waters 3.1 Italy's Lake Monster 4 Description 5 Gallery The Wels first appears in the episode European Maneater. It has long barbels around its mouth that look like antennae or feelers. This base colour is marbled with dark blotches and spots and gives way to a creamy yellow belly: providing near perfect camouflage for both stealth and low-level attack. Lobworms are an under rated bait and can be devastating if fished just off the bottom, however they are best fished at night as nuisance fish will take an interest in them during the day. The teeth on the jaw are abrasive and care should be taken whilst handling them as contact with skin can result in a ‘graze’ like wound. It is believed that their introduction was linked to the ‘gentleman’s pastime of introducing alien species of plants and animals and secondly as a cheap source of protein with which to feed the Victorian working classes, on whom their wealth depended. Wels Catfish: Scientific Name: The scientific name of Wells catfish is Silurusglanis. This fact sheet was submitted by animalfunfacts.net fan Naima. To prevent this unwanted invader from coming into the province, Ontario has regulated Wels Catfish as prohibited under the Invasive Species Act. There is not that much info on the Wels Catfish but from what I have found they grow to about 10 pounds in there first year on Plankton and insects. When finding food, the wels catfish’s eyes don’t play a major role. Do you want to write a fan factsheet? It seems like some people might be exaggerating. The wels catfish usually grows to 47-63 inch (120-160 cm) long and weighs up to 110 lb (50 kg). In the 1860’s, in anticipation of the possible use of Wels Catfish to feed the masses, "The Times" newspaper suggested that the fish was "the most important animal introduction since the bringing of the turkey", describing the flesh as "veal with a rich eel-like flavour, superior to salmon." Although White Sturgeon (Huso huso), grow to weights of 2,200lb, they spend much of their life at sea, and it is quite possible that Silurus glanis is the largest freshwater fish in the world. Fish and Wildlife Service – Web Version - 8/14/2012 6 . The wels catfish usually grows to 47-63 inch (120-160 cm) long and weighs up to 110 lb (50 kg). It can use its barbels to feel and even taste the ground - like a tongue. Depending on temperature, eggs hatch after 3 days, the larva of about 7mm long have one barbule and initially feed on plankton. However, the use of the Wels Catfish as a food source does not appear to have been as successful as was anticipated. This fact sheet was submitted by animalfunfacts.net fan Naima. Only time will tell how large they grow in British waters. Reports of incredible sizes are rare and dubious. Most wels catfish don’t grow longer than 7 feet and 190 pounds. Wels, also called waller (species Silurus glanis), large, voracious catfish of the family Siluridae, native to large rivers and lakes from central Europe to western Asia. The Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) is a species of Catfish native to Northern and Eastern Europe. Average Weight: 10–20lb (5.0kg-10.0kg) Evidence has shown that Wels of 180lb caught in Continental Europe have been as young as 24-years old, so consider how old the enormous specimens that inhabit the freshwater lakes of Russia may be ! Between May and June, the male digs a trough. They develop predatory habits and feeding on small fish, insect larvae and other aquatic prey. Blue catfish species are often referred to as “opportunistic feeders” because they are usually found feeding different kinds of bait fish that they have injured. The fins are dark, ranging from red-brown to brown-violet. Their lifespan is at least 50 years. It is a freshwater fish recognizable by its broad, flat head and wide mouth. They also have a preference for bait with strong and distinct scents. Wels Catfish have slimy and scaleless bodies that are usually greenish-brown in color with broad, flat heads, large mouths, and long muscular tails. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. They inhabit rivers and large lakes and ponds where they occupy both a scavenger and apex predator role. Life Span: Up to 90+ Years. There are more than two thousand species of catfish to be found in the world today. 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