The catfish (Silurus glanis) is the largest free-living fish species in Switzerland (length up to 2.5 m, maximum 5 m and 300 kg). As a nocturnal omnivore, it lives in shallow to medium depths in lakes and deeper holes in large rivers. In winter, the catfish retreat to greater depths, where they survive the cold season inactive. Reproduction May to June on flooded meadows, in root-rich underflushes or in reed-belts; the sticky eggs are put into a nest from plant parts and guarded by the male. Egg count 25’000 – 30’000 per kg body weight of females. When hatching approx. 7 mm long, similar to a tadpole, very fast-growing. In addition to molluscs, crustaceans and fish, frogs, adult catfish eat waterfowl and small mammals. (Source: Amt für Landwirtschaft und Natur)