Wels Catfish

Silurus glanis

Least Concern Brackish

Max Length

500.0 cm

Max Weight

300.0 kg

Color

Dark olive-green to slate-gray back …

Depth Range

0-30m

Family

Ictaluridae

About

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.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	500.0 cm
Maximum Weight	300.0 kg
Depth Range	0-30m

Coloration

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 & Distribution

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 nocturnal.

Water Type

Brackish

Depth Range

0-30m

Geographic Range

Countries

🇩🇪 Germany

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Wels Catfish is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

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.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

9/5

Recommended Bait

live baitfish, large lures, worms

Taxonomy

Order	Siluriformes (Catfishes)
Family	Ictaluridae (North American catfishes)
Species	Silurus glanis

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Silure glane
Spanish	Siluro

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat 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.

How big does Wels Catfish get?

Wels Catfish can grow up to 500.0 cm long and weigh 300.0 kg.

Where is Wels Catfish found?

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 to western Europe; occasionally enters brackish river mouths and coastal lagoons. 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 nocturnal.

Is Wels Catfish endangered?

The conservation status of Wels Catfish is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Wels Catfish belong to?

Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) belongs to the family Ictaluridae (North American catfishes) in the order Siluriformes (Catfishes).