In the serene waters of Spain’s Ebro River, a growing menace lurks beneath the surface – invasive catfish. This article delves into the profound effects of these unwelcome guests and how invasive catfish impact the Ebro river ecosystem.
The Catfish Invasion
The invasion of catfish in the Ebro River is a story that began decades ago. In the early 1970s, these formidable creatures, known scientifically as Silurus glanis, were introduced into the Mequinenza reservoir by fishermen seeking a new catch. Their origin traces back to the Danube and Volga rivers in central Europe. These native habitats provided the catfish with ample space to grow and thrive, reaching staggering sizes. Reports from the 18th and 19th centuries describe specimens weighing up to a colossal 375 kilograms and measuring up to 3 meters in length.
Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain
I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.
Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.
