What characterizes the skin of the massive fish *Silurus glanis*?

Answer

Smooth and scaleless

The Wels Catfish, scientifically known as *Silurus glanis*, presents a distinctive physical profile that contributes to its image of ancient survival. A key feature noted by observers is its integument, which is explicitly described as being smooth and lacking any scales. This scaleless nature places it within the family Siluridae, a group of freshwater fishes recognized by this characteristic, alongside their prominent sensory barbels. This morphology contrasts sharply with many teleosts that rely on scales for protection or hydrodynamic efficiency, suggesting an adaptation suited to its benthic, slow-moving lifestyle where friction from scales might be less beneficial than the smooth surface.

What characterizes the skin of the massive fish *Silurus glanis*?

#Videos

The Secret Hunting System of the Wels Catfish | Ep 1 - YouTube

Related Questions

What characterizes the skin of the massive fish *Silurus glanis*?What underlies the evolutionary success of the Wels Catfish?How many pairs of fleshy filaments surround the mouth of the Wels Catfish?What primary sensory functions do the densely packed chemoreceptors in the barbels serve?Research published around 2022 suggests *S. glanis* can reach what comparable lifespan?What physical feature is the Wels Catfish body structure optimized for?What is the extent of the Wels Catfish's native range geographically?What describes the diet flexibility of the Wels Catfish as an apex predator?What trait allows *S. glanis* to establish itself rapidly in new systems?What characteristic unites *S. glanis* as a member of the family Siluridae?
speciesevolutionfishCatfish