Wels Catfish
(Silurus glanis)
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Currently not found in Michigan
It should come as no surprise that a Eurasian catfish known for its healthy appetite, giant size and eel-like tail might pose a threat to native species in the Great Lakes region if it is introduced to local waters. The Wels catfish is a creature of legend in its home waters around the Black and Caspian seas and west to Germany. Currently it is not found in Michigan, but could have severe consequences for our waters if introduced. As adults they can weigh up to 370 pounds, grow up to 10 feet in length, and live as long as 80 years. Females can lay about 30,000 eggs per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Due to its large size, enormous mouth, great length, and its habits as a voracious predator it is a serious danger to the populations of native fish and other vertebrates (amphibians, mammals, birds, etc.). High population densities of this species could lead to extremely high nutrient loads and likely result in water quality degradation. |
Credit: Shutterstock
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Identification:
Habitat: Generally inhabit lowland rivers, backwaters, and well-vegetated lakes, but will occasionally enter brackish water in the Black and Baltic Seas.
Diet: Nocturnal predators, forage for fish and other vertebrates as adults. Juveniles are benthic feeders, preying on a variety of fish and invertebrates.
Native Range: Central and Eastern Europe.
Local Concern: Voracious predatory habits make the Wels catfish a serious threat to populations of native vertebrates. Water quality may also be reduced through drastic trophic alterations.
Potential Means of Introduction: Aquaculture release, illegal stocking.
NOTE: The information above was compiled from the Michigan Invasive Species webpage.
http://www.michigan.gov/invasives/0,5664,7-324-68002_73845-368442--,00.html
- Can grow up to 10 ft. long.
- Very large mouth with 3 pairs of barbels – 1 pair on upper jaw, 2 on lower jaw
- The upper side of the body is usually a dark color and the flanks and belly are paler. Fins are usually brown.
Habitat: Generally inhabit lowland rivers, backwaters, and well-vegetated lakes, but will occasionally enter brackish water in the Black and Baltic Seas.
Diet: Nocturnal predators, forage for fish and other vertebrates as adults. Juveniles are benthic feeders, preying on a variety of fish and invertebrates.
Native Range: Central and Eastern Europe.
Local Concern: Voracious predatory habits make the Wels catfish a serious threat to populations of native vertebrates. Water quality may also be reduced through drastic trophic alterations.
Potential Means of Introduction: Aquaculture release, illegal stocking.
NOTE: The information above was compiled from the Michigan Invasive Species webpage.
http://www.michigan.gov/invasives/0,5664,7-324-68002_73845-368442--,00.html
