Which freshwater fish is Europe’s largest native freshwater fish by length?

The wels catfish is Europe’s largest native freshwater fish by length.

Its scientific name is Silurus glanis, and it is native to large rivers and lakes across central, eastern, and southeastern Europe. Exceptional individuals can exceed 2 metres in length and weigh more than 100 kilograms.

Wels catfish are ambush predators with long barbels around the mouth. They eat fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and other animals, and large specimens may also seize birds or small mammals at the water’s edge.

The species has been introduced beyond its native range, including parts of western Europe and regions outside Europe. It is sometimes confused with North American catfish, but the wels catfish belongs to a different family and is especially recognizable for its very long body and broad, flattened head.