Freshwater fish come in all shapes and sizes, from the monster catfish lurking in European rivers to the gentle giants gliding through North American lakes.
But every continent has its own special record-breakers.
Here are some of the largest freshwater fish found across the globe:
Nile Perch – Africa’s Voracious Predator

The Nile perch rules African rivers and lakes as a relentless predator.
These silver-blue giants have distinctive black eyes with eerie yellow rings and massive mouths to match their appetite.
Nile perch gobble up anything they can fit in their jaws – they’ve been known to eat fish up to half their size!
With razor-sharp teeth and no fear, they can reach staggering sizes up to 6 feet 7 inches and 440 pounds.
Their immense bulk makes them a dangerous fish that occasionally attacks humans. They thrive in warm, freshwater habitats like Lake Victoria.
Antarctic Toothfish – The Icy Titan

Braving frigid Antarctic waters, the Antarctic toothfish claims its place as the southernmost freshwater giant.
These predators of the deep have teeth ringing their enormous mouths to grip anything edible, from smaller fish to squid and crustaceans.
Growing over 6 feet long and 300 pounds, they rival the size of a full refrigerator!
Their cold-adapted bodies allow them to live in subzero habitats.
Mekong Giant Catfish – Asia’s Shy Behemoth

The Mekong River hides shy giants – the elusive Mekong giant catfish.
These monsters grow over 10 feet long and 650 pounds heavy, comparable to a small car! Despite their mammoth size, they feed on plants and algae.
Their down-turned mouths allow them to vacuum food from the riverbed.
Though peaceful, they could swallow a person if they wished!
Their existence is threatened by habitat disruption.
Murray Cod – Australia’s Apex Ambush Predator

Murray cod lurk in Aussie rivers as ambush predators with ferocious appetites.
They feast on small fish, frogs, crustaceans – even ducklings and small terrestrial mammals!
Murray cod can exceed 200 pounds and 6 feet long, rivaling the size of a motorcycle.
With tremendous strength and Resourceful hunting, they dominate fresh waters across eastern Australia.
Wels Catfish – Europe’s Gluttonous Titans

European rivers teem with gluttonous Wels catfish.
These behemoths gobble any prey they can suck into their vacuum-like mouths – fish, birds, rats, frogs – even trash like cans and shoes!
Growing over 9 feet long and 600 pounds, they threaten humans who get too close.
Though normally slow and lethargic, they can strike with lightning speed when food is near.
White Sturgeon – North America’s Gentle Giants

Slowly gliding through North American lakes and rivers, the white sturgeon bely their mastodon size.
Despite reaching 20 feet and nearly a ton, these titans sip nutrients from mud and pose no threat to people.
Their toothless mouths stretch nearly 5 feet wide to inhale small fish and invertebrates.
Though harmless, their populations are threatened by overfishing and dams blocking their migration.
Arapaima – South America’s Armored Survivor

Arapaima are living fossils – ancient fish that have been nearly unchanged for 15 million years.
These Amazon giants evolved thick, armored scales as protection.
With bony tongues to crush plant food and armored skulls to ram predators, 10-foot-long arapaima weighing 440 pounds survive as kings of the river.
Unique creatures perfectly adapted to their environment; they keep ancient lineages alive.
Longfin Eel – Oceania’s Slithering Giants

After spending their youth in the ocean, New Zealand longfin eels slither into freshwaters, where some survive 60-80 years.
Females swell with age, achieving lengths over 6 feet and weights exceeding 40 pounds – rivaling the size of a doorway!
They slide stealthily through the rivers, feeding on fish, frogs, and crustaceans with razor teeth.
Though they appear harmless, their strong jaws pack a nasty bite for the careless wader!
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