Silurus glanis in Europe: A review of invasive traits, ecological impacts and detection methods
TL;DR
Key knowledge gaps are highlighted, such as the lack of experimental studies, limited understanding of long-term impacts on native species and insufficient data on context-dependent effects, which emphasise the urgent need for coordinated research efforts to improve impact assessment and guide effective management strategies.
Abstract
The European catfish Silurus glanis L. is a large, adaptable predator whose range continues to expand rapidly in Europe, posing potential environmental, ecological and socio-economic impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Its success results from a combination of species-specific traits and extrinsic abiotic and anthropogenic drivers, which together enhance its ecological adaptability and competitive advantage. While some studies report substantial impacts on fish communities, others find minimal effects, likely due to differences in timing of data collection, lack of baseline data, control sites and assessments of biotic and abiotic interactions. In this review, we: (i) explore the main factors contributing to the invasion success of S. glanis , including both species-specific traits (e.g. trophic plasticity, reproductive strategies, environmental tolerance) and extrinsic drivers, such as propagule pressure, human-assisted dispersal and habitat alterations; (ii) assess its ecological effects across freshwater ecosystems, based on available studies; and (iii) review the methods commonly used for detecting S. glanis , highlighting their pros and cons for species detection. In each section, we highlight key knowledge gaps, such as the lack of experimental studies, limited understanding of long-term impacts on native species and insufficient data on context-dependent effects. These gaps emphasise the urgent need for coordinated research efforts to improve impact assessment and guide effective management strategies.