Red Snapper vs Wels Catfish
Lutjanus campechanus compared with Silurus glanis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Red Snapper | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutjanus campechanus | Silurus glanis |
| Order | Perciformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Lutjanidae | Siluridae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Red Snapper | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 100.0 cm | 500.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 22.8 kg | 300.0 kg |
| Color | Uniform rosy-red to brick-red over the entire body and fins; belly slightly paler pink-red; juveniles may show a dark spot at the lateral line below the anterior dorsal fin. | 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 | Red Snapper | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 10-190m | 0-30m |
| Geographic Range | Western North Atlantic from North Carolina to Yucatan, concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Associates with rocky reefs, artificial structures, and hard-bottom habitat … | 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, coral reefs | 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 | Red Snapper | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Red Snapper
Moist, sweet white flesh with a nutty undertone and firm texture. Prized for whole roasting, pan-searing, and ceviche; a cornerstone of Gulf Coast and Caribbean cuisines.
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
Red Snapper
The red snapper is one of the most commercially valuable reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. With its distinctive rose-red body and pointed anal fin, it inhabits rocky reefs and artificial structures at depths of 10-190 meters.
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.