Approche du régime alimentaire chez le Silure glane

The Wels originates from central and East-Europe. It was introduced in Europe as early as the Middle Ages and in France the species has been released many times since the 19th century. It invaded the Loire river basin at the end of the last century. It is the largest predatory freshwater fish in Europe. Considering its recent increase in numbers and of range and its
feeding behaviour, the Orleans museum coordinated a study of the species in the Loire valley from 2011 to 2014 in order to better know the species ecology and especially its choice of prey and food intake. The stomach contents from a sample of 60 individuals of all sizes, captured using nets, were analysed. It feeds on a wide variety of species, more than 23 were found during this study, mainly fish. Anadromous Fish and Lamprey made up an important part of the food intake (66%).