The Wels catfish is a large species of freshwater catfish, usually native to central, southern and eastern Europe and is thought to have a potential total length of 5m and a maximum weight of 660lb (300 kg), according to Fishbase. You can unsubscribe at any time. Currently found in Central and Eastern Europe, the wels catfish can grow to extraordinary sizes (over 9 feet) depending on the habitat it … With a possible total length up to 4 m (13 ft) and a maximum weight of over 400 kg (880 lb), it is the second largest freshwater fish in the region after the beluga sturgeon. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. The one Ferrari caught is reportedly a wels catfish, which can get up to 15 feet long, making this 8.75-foot long catfish barely above average. Follow Brian Clark Howard on Twitter and Google+. Wels catfish are native to Eastern Europe but were introduced to Italy and Spain in the 1970s by anglers. The Wels catfish is a large fish native to wide areas of central, southern, and eastern Europe. Wels catfish have been known to grow up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and reach sizes of 300 to 660 pounds, depending on the source. … They can live for decades, possibly as long as 80 years. ", He added: "The original fish were stocked as 10" babies which were born in the UK. Flathead Catfish. 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The big catfish are opportunistic feeders, taking a wide variety of other fish as well as rodents and even birds, which they sometimes catch by beaching themselves (see video below). Mr Gregorek said: "Chris Flook from Ivybridge in Devon [caught] his biggest ever Wels Catfish at 72lb 2oz from the Specimen Carp Lake at Anglers Paradise. Freshwater Fish. Check out these impressive catfish and the most eyebrow-raising world records. Chris Flook scored a great catch - reeling in this monster 72lb Wels Catfish, Get the pick of the week's stories and features direct to your inbox every Saturday morning in our exclusive Weekend Report newsletter. A couple of original fish are now over 100lbs.". (Learn more about megafish. Our. This giant was surpassed by some even larger specimens from Poland (2,61 m. 109 kg. The current world record for a wels catfish is 250lb 3oz (113.5kg). ), Hogan will speak at National Geographic headquarters in Washington on March 26, following the opening of the new exhibit "Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants.". explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. Mr Gregorek said Mr Flook has been fishing at Angler's Paradise for 'donkey's years' and he, and the staff, are delighted with his new massive catch. Chris Flook from Ivybridge with the 72lb 2oz (32.6kg) catfish he caught (Image: Angler's Paradise) "I believe this is the biggest Wels Catfish born and bred in … Ken Paulie currently holds the record for catching the largest flathead catfish, and … They can live for decades, possibly as long as 80 years. A man from Ivybridge has caught a monster Wels catfish while fishing at a lake in West Devon. Wels catfish have been known to grow up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and reach sizes of 300 to 660 pounds, depending on the source. Save . 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