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FISH GUIDE · Freshwater

Wels catfish: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Silurus glanis

A large opportunistic carnivore.

Catalogue names : Silure. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Native to parts of Europe and Asia, notably Baltic, Black Sea and Caspian drainages. Its modern French range includes introductions; ancient remains in a region do not establish continuity of a current native population.

  • Native range : Baltic, Black Sea and Caspian drainages
  • Introduction : Metropolitan France

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Silurus glanis, the wels catfish, has a broad head, small eyes, three pairs of barbels and scaleless skin. Its dorsal fin is small and its anal fin very long.

The black bullhead Ameiurus melas has a different fin structure and more barbels. Dark colouring alone or a size considered exceptional is not a sufficient identification feature.

Habitat

Calm, deep water with cover.

Diet

Young fish eat small invertebrates; adults take prey including fish and amphibians.

Behaviour

Often active at dusk and at night.

Indicative biological size

Around 100 cm: the usual size reported by DORIS, varying with the environment.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. Prepare tackle suited to the current and the fish you may encounter, checking knots, clips and hooks. Identify an accessible landing point.
  2. Choose a lure that the rod can cast without exceeding its rating. First explore a clear route and keep the depth under control.
  3. Retrieve steadily or alternate modest variations, without letting the lure sink into an obstacle you cannot get around.
  4. At a bite, establish contact and use the drag. Do not wrap the line around your hand; if the pull cannot be controlled at that spot, do not fish there.

A distinctive feature

The male cleans and fans the eggs until they hatch.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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