Alarm on Lake Garda: Gigantic catfish threaten local wildlife!

Alarm on Lake Garda: Gigantic catfish threaten local wildlife!

Large catfish, which many fishermen call “torpedoes”, are currently spreading on Lake Garda in Italy. These voracious predators not only pose a threat to the native fauna, but also to the region's native ecosystems. Fishermen warn of the consequences of this spread, as the catfish eat almost anything that can fit in their mouths, including native animals such as ducks and cormorants.

Despite this threat, it is important to emphasize that there is no confirmation that catfish actively prey on dogs. However, concerns about the ecological balance in Lake Garda remain present, especially since studies show that climate change is promoting this problematic development. Warmer water favors the growth and reproduction of catfish, known as the largest freshwater fish in Europe and can weigh up to 200 kilograms.

Ecological challenges

The spread of catfish could significantly disrupt the ecological balance in waters where they are not native. Fishermen are therefore demanding support from the authorities to deal with the situation. However, Robert Arlinghaus from the Leibnitz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries reassures vacationers: They don't need to be afraid of the catfish, as they are nocturnal and have small, blunt teeth.

The Lake Garda tourism region, which is known as a popular destination for German vacationers, attracts many visitors every year. The picturesque towns and mountains on the shore offer ideal opportunities for hiking and cycling, while the seaside resorts invite you to swim, relax and go boating. The lake is also home to rare fish and crabs.

Predatory fish and divers

Catfish hunting has become a popular venture for divers who target these predatory fish in Lake Garda. Catfish, which hunt for prey as bottom fish in shallow water, prey on frogs, waterfowl and even small mammals. Although catfish pose no direct danger to swimmers, the potential danger spots in Lake Garda where there is a risk of drowning should not be underestimated.

The first catfish was spotted in Peschiera in 1988 and since then their population has increased significantly, especially in the southern part of the lake. Experts suspect that amateur anglers deliberately introduced the catfish into Lake Garda. To curb overpopulation, fishermen could play a crucial role, including special rules and prohibitions for fishing and diving on Lake Garda. Divers like Stefano Govi ​​and Marco Porta hunt catfish with harpoons, with dives typically lasting between one and a half and two and a half minutes.

The challenges posed by catfish in Lake Garda are diverse and require joint action by fishermen, divers and authorities. However, the region remains a popular tourist destination and despite the growing catfish population, holidaymakers can still enjoy the beauty of Lake Garda. Visitors are advised to treat nature with respect and follow the existing regulations.

Those interested can find out more about the current developments on Lake Garda in the reports from Ruhr24 and South Courier read up.