Silurus

Silurus is a genus of fish in the family Siluridae, order Siluriformes. Species within Silurus are freshwater catfishes native to Europe and Asia, and the genus includes several species that have been documented across broad river systems and lakes. Members are generally bottom-dwelling predators with elongated bodies, often mottled coloration, and reduced or absent scales.

The most familiar species is Silurus glanis, commonly known as the European catfish or wels catfish. It is widely distributed in European river basins and western Asia and is noted for its substantial size, with individuals frequently reaching lengths of 1.5 to 2 meters and occasionally approaching or exceeding 2.5 meters. Silurus glanis is a nocturnal ambush predator that inhabits large rivers and lakes, feeding on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. It is valued in sport and commercial fisheries in some regions and has been introduced outside its native range in certain locales.

Another well-known member is Silurus asotus, the Amur catfish, native to East Asia. It has also been widely introduced to other parts of Asia and Europe for aquaculture and fisheries, where it has established both wild populations and farmed stocks. Other Silurus species occur in various freshwater systems across Asia and Europe, but detailed distributions and status can vary by region.

In biology, Silurus species share common features of the Siluridae family, including a adipose dorsal fin and barbels around the mouth used for chemosensory detection. Reproduction generally involves eggs laid in a nest with some degree of parental care by the male. Human uses include commercial and recreational fishing, while environmental concerns center on habitat modification and the ecological impacts of introduced populations.