European Sturgeon vs Wels Catfish
Acipenser sturio compared with Silurus glanis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | European Sturgeon | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acipenser sturio | Silurus glanis |
| Order | Acipenseriformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Acipenseridae | Siluridae |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | European Sturgeon | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 600.0 cm | 500.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 400.0 kg | 300.0 kg |
| Color | Gray-brown to dark brownish-black back with 5 rows of bony scutes that are yellowish-white; sides pale grayish-brown to whitish; belly creamy-white; thick armored body with a shark-like heterocercal tail. | Dark olive-green to slate-gray back with irregular mottled marbling of darker blotches; flanks grade to olive-yellow; scaleless smooth skin; belly pale cream to yellowish-white; head broad and flat. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | European Sturgeon | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 4-93m | 0-30m |
| Geographic Range | Historically ranged across European coastal waters from the North Sea and Baltic to the Mediterranean and Black seas, spawning in major rivers like the Rhine, … | Native to large river systems and lakes of central and eastern Europe from the Rhine basin east to the Caspian and Aral sea drainages. Introduced … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Europe and Asia (Volga, Danube, Rhine, Ob). Inhabits deep, slow-moving freshwater with soft substrates. Tolerates turbid water (15-25°C). Highly … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | European Sturgeon | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
European Sturgeon
Critically Endangered — consumption is illegal throughout its range. Historically prized for its delicate flesh and black caviar; now one of the world's most threatened fish species.
Wels Catfish
Fatty, soft flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; quality improves from cold, clean water fish. Popular in Central European cuisines — commonly smoked, fried, or braised with vegetables.
Species Overview
European Sturgeon
The European sturgeon is a critically endangered anadromous fish that can live over 100 years. Once abundant in European rivers, it is now restricted to a small population in the Gironde estuary. Its eggs are harvested as beluga-grade caviar.
Wels Catfish
The wels catfish is the largest freshwater fish in Europe, capable of exceeding 5 meters. Found in large rivers and lakes across the continent, it has been documented beaching itself to catch pigeons. It can live over 80 years.