Chinese Wels Catfish - (Silurus meridionalis)

🐟 Chinese Wels Catfish – (Silurus meridionalis)

The Chinese Wels Catfish is a large, bottom-dwelling freshwater fish native to East Asia. Known for its impressive size and nocturnal habits, this catfish is a powerful predator that requires spacious tanks and experienced care.

🌊 Habitat & Care

• 🌎 Origin: East Asia (China and neighboring regions)
• 🏠 Tank Size: 500+ gallons
• 🌡️ Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
• 💧 pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• 🪨 Tank Setup: Large tank with soft substrate, hiding places, and moderate water flow

🍽️ Diet

• 🥩 Carnivorous: Feeds on live or frozen fish, crustaceans, and sinking pellets

⚖️ Temperament

• 🕵️‍♂️ Nocturnal and secretive
• 🐠 Can be kept with other large, peaceful fish but may prey on smaller tankmates

🧠 Behavior & Special Considerations

• 📏 Size: Up to 39 inches (100 cm) or more in the wild; large size demands ample space
• 🧼 Requires excellent water quality and secure tank environment

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Chinese Wels Catfish is a large, nocturnal predator suited for very experienced hobbyists with spacious tanks.