Full Grown Wels Catfish: Size, Appearance, Price & More

The Wels catfish is a large freshwater fish species known for its impressive size. But what is a fully grown Wels catfish really like?

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Wels catfish at their full adult size, including appearance, personality, care needs, costs and more.

Size at Full Growth

Male Wels catfish typically reach a maximum size of around 150 cm (59 inches) and can weigh up to 90 kg (200 lbs). However, females grow significantly larger. A fully grown female Wels catfish can reach lengths of over 250 cm (8 feet) and weights exceeding 250 kg (550 lbs)!

They have been documented reaching sizes over 300 cm (10 feet) and weighing over 300 kg (660 lbs) in some cases, earning them the title of one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.

Appearance at Full Size

At their full adult size, Wels catfish have a distinctively elongated grayish-green to brown body with a glossy scaleless skin.

Their undersides are paler in color. They develop a dorsal fin running along their back and a pair of pectoral and pelvic fins.

Their most notable features are their four pairs of long whisker-like barbels around their mouths and their large downturned mouths armed with rows of small teeth.

Personality at Full Growth

Unlike their smaller juvenile forms which can be docile, fully grown Wels catfish take on a more formidable personality.

As top predators of their ecosystems, adult Wels are aggressively territorial and will defend their spaces. They are known to attack anything that enters what they perceive as their domain, including other fish, small mammals, birds, and even humans if provoked.

However, they are not inherently dangerous if given sufficient space and not bothered.

Price

Due to their immense size potential, fully grown Wels catfish command high prices. Exceptionally large specimens over 150 cm may sell for thousands of dollars.

Most adult Wels available for the hobby market range from 80-120 cm and cost several hundred dollars depending on size and availability from specialist breeders.

Food and Feeding

The dietary needs of a fully grown Wels catfish are substantial. In the wild, they are apex predators that consume a wide variety of meals including smaller fish, aquatic invertebrates, frogs, snakes, birds, and small mammals.

As pond-kept animals, their daily meals should consist of a variety of whole or cut up fresh and frozen fish, shrimps, mussels, and other meaty fare.

Meanwhile, frequent large feedings are necessary to meet their energy requirements.

Lifespan

With good care, Wels catfish as a species can live 20-25 years on average. However, some experts estimate the largest specimens may only live 15-20 years on average in the wild or captivity due to their size and energy demands.

Proper nutrition, water quality maintenance and sufficient living space are needed to optimize their lifespans.

Health at Full Size

Large adult Wels catfish are prone to some specific health issues due to their gargantuan dimensions.

Water quality must be rigorously maintained, as waste produces quickly in small volumes cannot be tolerated.

Skin infections may also occur if injuries are not promptly treated.

Morbid obesity from overfeeding can shorten lifespans.

Regular vet checkups are advised for pet Wels over 100 cm.

Care and Nutritional Needs

At their full adult sizes, Wels catfish require extensive care commitments and dedicated housing. Large ponds or indoor tanks of 1000+ gallons are needed with powerful external canister filters.

Daily large feedings must supply protein-rich whole prey items. Water changes up to 50% weekly are advised.

Potential owners need resources for specialized transportation and lifting equipment to handle full grown specimens safely during maintenance.

Costs of Ownership

In addition to high up-front costs, maintaining a fully grown Wels catfish as a pet entails substantial long-term expenses.

Cycled filtration, weekly water changes, specialized food, potential veterinary bills, dedicated large housing, and transportation/handling equipment all contribute to high running costs estimated to be hundreds per year for large adult specimens.

Factor in a commitment of at least a decade before considering adopting a Wels.

Behavior Changes at Full Maturity

Once sexually mature, male Wels become highly territorial especially during breeding seasons. Intolerance to tankmates and redirection of aggressive behaviors towards owners during feedings are possibilities.

Females remain more solitary and aloof.

Experience in handling large aggressive fish species is imperative for owners of mature Wels. Some display behaviors like biting may develop that necessitate specialized aquatic gear.

Notable Characteristics

At the size of small alligators, fully grown Wels catfish exhibit strength, power and near-indestructibility attributed to the largest freshwater fish alive. Their armor-like scales and thick musculature give them a truly formidable demeanor in the water.

Impressive specimens demonstrate an iconic elongated silhouette, ferocious gaping jaws with multiple serrated teeth rows, and an uncanny ability to lunge distances from their habitats.

Their record weights approach the size of small automobiles!

Conclusion

In summary, keeping a Wels catfish to its full adult size is a long-term commitment requiring dedication for an entire decade or more. Only the most experienced aquatic hobbyists with ability to provide specialized housing and nutrition should consider adopting juveniles.

Also, their protected conservation status also means permitting restrictions may apply in some areas. With diligent care and management, fully grown Wels can offer a lifetime as impressive ambassador freshwater fish specimens.