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Wels Catfish

Wels im Donaudelta

Did you know?

  • The Wels Catfish is one of the largest freshwater fish in Europe and can reach lengths of over 2.5 metres and a weight of over 100 kilograms. There are even reports of specimens that are over 3 metres long and weigh more than 150 kilograms. This impressive size makes it one of the dominant predatory fish in its habitats.
  • The Wels Catfish is a skilful predator and uses various hunting techniques to catch prey. It can eat small fish, amphibians, birds and even small mammals. One notable technique that has been observed is the so-called ‘beaching behaviour’, where the Wels Catfish actively jumps ashore to catch birds or other prey that are near the water.
  • The Wels Catfish is native to many rivers and lakes in Europe and western Asia. It prefers warm, calm waters with soft, muddy bottoms, where it hides during the day and forages at night. In some areas where it has been introduced, it is considered an invasive species as it can have a significant impact on the local ecosystem.

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