Overview

• Anglers in Sirmione, Italy, captured an 80 kg, 2-meter-long Wels catfish over the weekend, the largest caught in Lake Garda to date.
• A diver has reported sighting a potential 3-meter-long Wels catfish, which, if verified, would be the largest ever recorded in the lake.
• Experts highlight that Lake Garda's shallow waters and dense vegetation provide ideal conditions for Wels catfish to thrive and reproduce rapidly.
• The invasive species threatens the lake's ecosystem by preying on native fish, ducks, and even small pets, while also raising concerns about its impact on tourism.
• No effective strategy has yet been developed to control the growing Wels population, leaving local authorities and experts scrambling for solutions.