Catfish

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Catfish / Silurus glanis / is a freshwater fish, also known as European catfish. The body of the catfish is elongated and often reaches remarkable size. Some specimens grow up to 5 meters and weigh more than 250 kilograms. Catfish can easily be distinguished from other species. Its mucous body is not covered with scales.

His head is relatively large and flattened. This species is also characterized by a wide mouth and well-defined lips. The fish's eyes are not very large. They are located above the two corners of the mouth. An emblematic feature of the catfish is its whiskers. Above his upper lip is a pair of them, both on either side of her. Two pairs of whiskers can be seen on the lower lip of the fish, located again on both sides of the mouth. They are shorter than the above.

Another distinguishing feature of this species is the fin, located on the back. You will recognize the catfish by the greenish color of its body. Yellowish hues can sometimes be seen on his body. Otherwise, the back of the fish is dark gray and the belly is white or light gray. Usually in males there is a more interesting body color.

Usual behavior of catfish

The catfish inhabits deep water bodies. It lives in the rivers that flow into the Black, Caspian and Baltic Seas. In our country this type of fish is widespread in rivers such as the Danube, Tundzha, Vit, Struma, Botunya, Lom, Osam, Iskar, Ogosta and others. It is also found in the dams: Dospat, Iskar, Tsar Kaloyan, Elena, Rabisha, Ticha, Alpino and in many other water basins in the country.

The catfish is a predator. It hunts small fish, crabs, insects, frogs, mollusks. Larger specimens are able to swallow even domestic animals. During the spring months, the representatives of this species feed in the coastal areas of the water basin they inhabit. When temperatures drop in the fall, catfish settle in bottom pits, where they stay in the winter. Usually during this period these shelters of the catfish have other representatives of the species.

The rest of the time, however, individuals move independently. With the warming of the coastal waters, it is time to spawn. This process takes place among the coastal vegetation in the closed reservoirs. Curiously, the male makes a nest at the bottom, where he then keeps the spawn. Hatched larvae are greedy and begin to develop rapidly. The formed small fish gain weight quickly. They reach sexual maturity around their third year.

Catfish farming

The catfish can be propagated artificially. Currently in Bulgaria there are a number of reservoirs where catfish are successfully bred and raised. The artificial breeding of this species is to some extent driven by the fact that in recent years the population in its natural environment has been declining. As already mentioned, the catfish is a predator. Therefore, experts advise to grow in ponds, where it does not interfere with its dominance of smaller valuable species.

Catfish catch

Experienced fishermen recommend using pieces of cake and porridge as bait. According to some, a small amount of homemade soap also works effectively. The most tempting for the predator, however, are pieces of stagnant liver. Otherwise, frogs, snails and large worms could also be used by anglers.

If you use larger insects, you will also be successful. On the first roosters or in the evening the catfish hunts in the upper layers of the reservoir. The hooks you will use must be durable and withstand tossing. Catfish can be caught from the shore. Larger fish can be caught in the pond with the help of a boat. Then the catch is dragged to shore.

Composition of catfish

Raw catfish meat is a source of a lot of valuable substances. It contains vitamins A, C, E, K and D. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, sodium and others.

Catfish in cooking

The catfish has great culinary qualities. It is used willingly, as its meat is tender, oily and very appetizing. After heat treatment it acquires a white color and is easily separated. Another positive feature of this type of fish is that it does not need to be cleaned of multiple bones. According to gourmets, the most delicious is the area on the catfish's head.

In the preparation of catfish sometimes it is necessary to remove the layer with its fat, the thickness of which can exceed 2 cm. Catfish allows a variety of heat treatment, so it is used in many recipes, valued not only in our country but also in many places in Europe. Mustache fish is on the menu of residents of the United States, Malaysia, India, Hungary, who even have specific ways to serve catfish.

In Bulgaria, catfish is eaten anyway. It can be baked in the oven or grill, and also cooked in a saucepan. The fish is seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, pepper, oregano, dill, parsley, thyme and more. Over the years, appetizing fish has become an important ingredient in delicious baked dishes, salads, soups, pâtés. Catfish goes well with vegetable garnishes and spicy sauces, and the end effect is irresistible.

Selection and storage of catfish

When choosing catfish some simple rules must be followed. The flesh of the fish must be elastic and not sticky. If the fish is whole, you should look into its eyes. If they are clear, the fish is fresh. However, if they are cloudy, there is a good chance that it is old. Fresh fish can be stored unsalted in the refrigerator for some time. However, you should not leave it in this state for more than two days. To do this, first wash and dry it, then wrap it in plastic wrap.

Benefits of catfish

As we know, the consumption of fish is of great importance for our body. The useful ingredients of catfish make it one of the important guests at our table. Among the advantages of this type of fish is its fatty meat, which contains proteins and fats, which are a valuable source of energy. At the same time, the meat of the fish is easily digested, which is important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not have the opportunity to move actively.

Ladies must adhere to the consumption of this type of fish, as it has been proven that it has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair. It also supports the nervous and digestive systems and regulates blood sugar levels. In the past, catfish was consumed as a means of combating colds.