The Wels catfish is the largest purely freshwater fish in Europe and one of the top apex predators of river and lake ecosystems. Growing potentially to 3 meters and 150 kg, Wels catfish have been documented beaching themselves to grab pigeons from riverbanks — an extraordinary learned behavior observed in populations along the River Tarn in France. Their highly sensitive barbels (whiskers) are packed with taste and mechanoreceptor cells, making them among the most acute sensory organs of any freshwater fish.
About the Catfish
Silurus glanis
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💡 Fun Facts
01
Wels catfish in southern France have been filmed deliberately beaching themselves to snatch pigeons drinking at the water's edge.
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Their barbels contain taste buds along their entire length — a catfish's entire body surface can 'taste' the water around it.
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The oldest verified wild Wels catfish was over 80 years old and weighed more than 130 kg.
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Catfish produce no scales — their entire skin is covered in taste-sensitive cells, effectively making them a swimming tongue.
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Male Wels catfish build and guard nests, fanning eggs with their tails for weeks until they hatch — an unusual parental role in fish.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Rivers, Lakes, Freshwater
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