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.