The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is a giant freshwater predator native to parts of Europe and western Asia. The name is often misspelled as “Wells catfish,” but Wels catfish is the correct common name. Recognized by its broad head, enormous mouth, long barbels, and scaleless body, this fish can grow longer than an adult human. … Read more
The ripsaw catfish is a massive South American freshwater fish known for its dark body, long barbels, and saw-like row of armored plates. Its scientific name is Oxydoras niger, and it belongs to the thorny catfish family Doradidae. Although juveniles are sometimes sold for home aquariums, a full-grown ripsaw catfish can reach approximately 3 feet … Read more
The pygmy cory catfish is a peaceful freshwater fish known for its tiny size, dark horizontal stripe, and energetic schooling behavior. Unlike many cory catfish that remain close to the substrate, pygmy corys regularly swim through the middle of the aquarium. These social nano fish do best in groups and require clean water, gentle tank … Read more
The bumblebee catfish is a small, nocturnal freshwater fish recognized by its dark body and contrasting cream, yellow, or orange markings. Its secretive behavior, broad head, and whisker-like barbels make it an interesting addition to a peaceful community aquarium. However, the name bumblebee catfish applies to several different species. The South American bumblebee catfish remains … Read more
The upside-down catfish is a small freshwater fish famous for swimming with its belly facing the water’s surface. Unlike most fish, this position is normal and healthy for the species. Its manageable size, peaceful temperament, spotted pattern, and unusual behavior make it an interesting addition to a properly maintained community aquarium. However, buyers must identify … Read more
The Mekong giant catfish is the heaviest catfish ever reliably recorded. A female caught in northern Thailand in 2005 weighed 646 pounds (293 kilograms) and measured approximately 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 meters) long. Although other catfish may grow longer, no heavier individual has been documented with comparable measurements. This enormous freshwater fish lives in … Read more
Glass catfish are unusual freshwater fish famous for their nearly transparent bodies. Their visible spines, internal organs, long barbels, and shimmering appearance make them look like tiny swimming skeletons. They are also called ghost glass catfish, phantom catfish, or Asian glass catfish. Despite their delicate appearance, these peaceful schooling fish can live successfully in a … Read more
The goonch catfish is a powerful river predator recognized by its broad head, flattened body, enormous mouth, and sharp teeth. Also called the giant devil catfish, it inhabits fast-flowing rivers across the Indian subcontinent. Stories describing it as a “man-eating catfish” have made the species famous, particularly after its appearance on River Monsters. Although juvenile … Read more
The European catfish (Silurus glanis), better known as the Wels catfish, is Europe’s largest freshwater fish. It has an enormous flattened head, a wide mouth, smooth scaleless skin, and long whisker-like barbels. Native to parts of Europe and western Asia, it has also been introduced into many new rivers and lakes for fishing. This adaptable … Read more
Catfish range from tiny aquarium species to enormous river fish weighing hundreds of pounds. The biggest verified catfish ever documented was a 646-pound Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2005. However, “biggest catfish” can mean several things: the heaviest individual, the longest fish, the largest species, or the largest catfish caught by an angler. … Read more