Summer Flounder vs Wels Catfish
Paralichthys dentatus compared with Silurus glanis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Summer Flounder | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paralichthys dentatus | Silurus glanis |
| Order | Pleuronectiformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Paralichthyidae | Siluridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Summer Flounder | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 94.0 cm | 500.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 12.0 kg | 300.0 kg |
| Color | Eyed side is brownish to gray-green with a mottled pattern of pale blotches; 12–14 distinct pale-edged dark ocelli (eyespots) scattered across the body; blind side is plain white; color changes with substrate. | 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 | Summer Flounder | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 10-183m | 0-30m |
| Geographic Range | Western North Atlantic from Nova Scotia south to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Undertakes seasonal offshore migration to deeper Continental Shelf waters in … | 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, demersal, 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 | Summer Flounder | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 4/10 | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Summer Flounder
Thin, delicate white fillets with a sweet, mild flavor and very low fat. Prized on the U.S. East Coast; superb pan-fried in butter, stuffed and baked, or prepared as ceviche.
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
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder, or fluke, is a flatfish that lies camouflaged on the ocean floor. Born with eyes on both sides, one eye migrates to the left side during development. An ambush predator, it explodes upward to grab passing prey.
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.