Written by Prof. Dr. Maja Jordanova
With its whiskers, long, massive body, the catfish stands out as one of the most distinctive fish in the serene freshwater realms. When we talk about catfish, it’s the European variety that comes to mind, populating nearly all of Europe’s rivers and even finding its way into our own rivers and lakes. Its distinguishing features include a sizable flattened head and six pairs of whiskers, with two notably elongated ones on the upper jaw, while the rest, smaller in size, are nestled beneath. Sporting petite eyes and teeth, it boasts a cavernous mouth. Unlike its scaly counterparts, the catfish’s body is smooth as velvet. There’s a saying, “as dumb as a catfish,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The phrase likely originated from the fact that within its ample head resides a modestly sized brain.
Catfish prefer tranquil waters, favoring shallow nooks along the shoreline and spots teeming with branches and vegetation, which serve both as camouflage and as ambush points for unsuspecting prey. Nature’s top freshwater predator, the catfish, primarily dines on small fish, frogs, and crayfish. Its hunting expeditions are predominantly nocturnal, with rare ventures during daylight hours, and even then, only if the skies are overcast. Catfish are also renowned for their longevity, with some species living up to a century.
Save for the spawning season, typically in May or June, when males and females swim together, catfish lead a solitary existence. During this time, the female selects a mate, but once she deposits her eggs, encased in a slimy, adhesive envelope, the male fertilizes them with sperm, and the female departs, leaving him to tend to the offspring. Thus, the catfish resumes its solitary vigil, guarding the nest where the eggs incubate and caring for the fry until they become active swimmers.
A formidable presence in the water, the catfish fears little, making it a true angler’s challenge. A notable catch occurred in Lake Struga, where a trio—a father, son, and grandson—landed a specimen measuring 180 centimeters long and weighing 44 kilograms. Meanwhile, Lake Kalimansko yielded an astonishing 80-kilogram catfish. If these aren’t merely fisherman’s tales, records from around the globe document specimens weighing over 200 kilograms and measuring over 3 meters long.
But not all catfish are behemoths. There are diminutive varieties, like the American catfish, measuring no longer than half a meter and barely tipping the scales at half a kilogram. In the rivers of Africa, including the Nile, dwells the electric catfish, not sizable in stature but formidable nonetheless, generating a voltage of 350 volts, potentially lethal to humans. It produces electricity in its front whiskers, stunning small prey and satisfying its appetite.
Let’s not overlook the enthusiasts of aquarium life. From the rivers of Asia, the diminutive glass catfish—known as the ghost catfish—has gained popularity worldwide. Its transparent body, lacking pigmentation, makes it a favorite among aquarium aficionados.
In terms of nutrition, a 100-gram serving of fresh catfish boasts a mere 15 calories, half that of salmon. This, among other factors, makes catfish a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a plentiful source of vitamin D, it bolsters the body’s immunity.
Indeed, catfish have earned a place on menus worldwide. Whether fried, baked, or as an ingredient in the famed Korean soup meun tang, it tantalizes taste buds everywhere. And if you find yourself in Dojran or the Tikvesh region, be sure to sample their catfish soup—a culinary delight like no other. Cheers.
