Monster catfish caught in Buckinghamshire canal

This monster catfish was one of two pulled out of the Grand Union Canal, at Soulbury Locks. The largest measured one metre and weighed nearly 20kg. PNL-160508-143850001

The fish, which are not native to the UK, are estimated to be aged between 15 and 20. They were caught by Canal and River Trust, the charity that cares for the canals in England and Wales, as they carried out a fish population survey along this part of the waterway.

John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager, from the trust, said: “It is not certain how the two catfish came to be in the canal although it is likely that someone has illegally dumped them after finding that a small pet catfish has simply outgrown its tank.

“Catfish are powerful fish and are hard to catch and have been known to occasionally eat birds, small animals and non-native crayfish.

“Being bottom feeders most people would never see one while visiting the canal but, if you see a big fish swimming in the canal, it could be this monster of the waterways.”

Once removed from the canal the catfish were rehomed to a suitable location. To find out more about what fish live in the nations canal visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing.