Catfish
D-Wels, Waller; GB-Catfish, wels catfish; DK-Malle; PL-Sum; LT-Šamas; LV-Sams; EST-Säga; RU-Обыкновенный сом; FIN-Monni; S-Mal
Characters
1) 3 pairs of barbels, 1 pair of very long barbels lateral on maxilla and 2 pairs of shorter barbels on lower jaw.
2) Very small dorsal fin.
3) Very long anal fin, longer than half of body length.
●) Body elongated and scale less.
●) Colour mostly dark, often marmorated, abdomen lighter.
Often 2 to 3 m, up to max. 5 m length and over 300 kg weight.
Similar species
Brown bullhead - 4 pairs of barbels present; one additional on upper side of head; adipose fin present.
Biology
Nocturnal, bottom living, prefers slow-flowing or standing waters. During spawning season males construct groove like nests. Very reduced eyes, but very good olfactory, taste, touch and hearing sense.Diet
They feed on fish, amphibians, water birds and small mammals. The bait is also detected with the help of electroreceptors.Importance
Locally very variable, partially of commercial importance and a popular angling fish, where as in other parts regarded as a fish damaging the area.Endangerment
Presumably not endangered.Silurus glanis
