wels catfish

Also known as Silurus glanis, sheatfish

species of fish

AI overview

# Wels Catfish Overview The wels catfish is a large freshwater fish species native to Europe and western Asia that has become one of the world's most invasive aquatic animals. It matters because its introduction into new environments outside its native range has caused significant ecological damage by preying on native fish and other wildlife, making it a major conservation concern.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Least Concern

catfish

Species

PhylumChordata
ClassTeleostei
OrderSiluriformes
FamilySiluridae

Habitatbrackish, freshwater

Maximum longevity: 60 years (captivity) Observations: In captivity, these animals have been reported to live up to 60 years (Nigrelli 1954), which seems possible.

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Image: EuropeseMeervalLucasVanDerGeest.jpg

Show 5 more facts

taxon name: Silurus glanis
Commons category: Silurus glanis

~14 min read

Article

(Learn how and when to remove this message)

The wels catfish (/ˈwɛls/ or /ˈvɛls/; Silurus glanis), also called sheatfish or just wels, is a large species of catfish native to wide areas of central, southern, and eastern Europe, in the basins of the Baltic, Black and Caspian Seas. It has been introduced to several countries in Western Europe, Mediterranean and Asia as a prized sport fish. Its modern day range spans from the United Kingdom in the west to western China in the east.