Wels Catfish, European Catfish, Daniel, Beluga of the Danube

The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is the largest freshwater fish species in Europe. It is characterized by its long, cylindrical body, three pairs of barbels around its mouth (hence the name "catfish"), and a flattened tail. It has a dark brown or greyish-brown coloration, with a lighter belly. They can grow to lengths exceeding 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) and weigh over 100 kilograms (220 pounds). Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth make them formidable predators. They have poor eyesight but compensate with their sensitive barbels, which they use to detect movement and locate prey in murky waters.

Wels catfish are primarily found in large, slow-flowing rivers with muddy bottoms, such as the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe. They also inhabit lakes and reservoirs. Historically, they were more widespread, but their range has shrunk due to habitat loss and pollution. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities, allowing them to be found in both freshwater and brackish environments. They prefer areas with plenty of cover, such as submerged trees, rocks, and vegetation.

Wels catfish are ambush predators, spending much of their time motionless, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. They are nocturnal feeders, becoming most active at night. Their diet consists of a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, amphibians, insects, and even small mammals and birds. Spawning typically occurs in late spring or early summer, with females laying thousands of eggs in nests constructed by males. The eggs hatch after about a week, and the young catfish are initially quite vulnerable to predation. Growth rates are slow, but they can reach impressive sizes, making them one of the largest freshwater fish in Europe.

The meat of the Wels catfish is considered to be palatable and is consumed in some regions. However, due to their large size and slow growth rate, they are not typically commercially fished. The taste is often described as mild and somewhat oily. Care must be taken to remove the numerous bones. Historically, they have been a food source for local populations, particularly in areas where other fish are scarce.