A fisherman in the Netherlands has been left stunned after hauling in an extraordinary wels catfish that was bright yellow.
Wels catfish are native to lakes and rivers throughout Europe, and can grow to 2.7 metres long if they live to become fully grown.
But this example of the incredible fish may have had a rare genetic disorder known as leucism, which turns the skin a bright banana yellow.
Leucism is a condition that causes a loss of pigment in the skin and hair, with the condition being observed in birds, mammals, and reptiles, giving rise to striking sights including yellow penguins and white orcas.
It's different from albinism in that it does not affect the eyes.
Despite looking very striking to humans, animals with leucism often live at a disadvantage as their bright pigment can make them easier to spot, making it more difficult to avoid predators or to sneak up on prey.
The angler said he now hopes the creature will grow "even bigger", as despite already being an impressive size it still has a lot of growing to do potentially.
Wels catfish are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, with only the beluga sturgeon, prized for its caviar, knocking the huge fish off the top spot.
The heaviest specimens of the catfish can clock in at an eye-watering 136kg.
They are predatory, with one population even being filmed swimming into shallow water to snatch pigeons from the riverbank.
Wels catfish are native to lakes and rivers throughout Europe, and can grow to 2.7 metres long if they live to become fully grown.
But this example of the incredible fish may have had a rare genetic disorder known as leucism, which turns the skin a bright banana yellow.
Leucism is a condition that causes a loss of pigment in the skin and hair, with the condition being observed in birds, mammals, and reptiles, giving rise to striking sights including yellow penguins and white orcas.
It's different from albinism in that it does not affect the eyes.
Despite looking very striking to humans, animals with leucism often live at a disadvantage as their bright pigment can make them easier to spot, making it more difficult to avoid predators or to sneak up on prey.
The angler said he now hopes the creature will grow "even bigger", as despite already being an impressive size it still has a lot of growing to do potentially.
Wels catfish are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, with only the beluga sturgeon, prized for its caviar, knocking the huge fish off the top spot.
The heaviest specimens of the catfish can clock in at an eye-watering 136kg.
They are predatory, with one population even being filmed swimming into shallow water to snatch pigeons from the riverbank.
Music: Modern Time - An Jone
Source: Daily Star, Wikipedia
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