Attempting to id a Chinese “wels”

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Jd72

Feeder Fish
Aug 6, 2023
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5
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I’m about to purchase a golden “wels” catfish but the current owner is unsure on it’s particular species at first I thought it was s. meridionalis but now I’m unsure does anyone have any ways of correctly identifying them so I know whether I’m going to end up with a 3ft or a 10ft fish eventually

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You need a clear shot of the whiskers/barbels if ur asking if it is a “chinese” (s. Mereridionalis or s. Asotus) or a “euro” (s. Glanis)… both the “chinese” types commonly sold will have 4 whiskers…. The euro will have 6, 2 on top, 4 under the chin. I cant tell from the 1st pic if theres a reflection or not doubling one of the whiskers.
 
Okay that’s helpful to know I wasn’t sure If there was a more definitive way of identifying them I’ll have to see if I can get some more photos of the barbels as like you say it’s very hard to tell If it’s a reflection or just an extra set
 
ae2ef269-5b09-41f7-9900-461927088a31.jpegc33d6419-fd84-40dc-a8d8-014622e5167b.jpegI’d be inclined to say it’s probably a euro looking at the photos I’ve just been sent then which is a shame as I’m not sure how I’d fair trying to keep an adult euro wels into adulthood in an indoor pond
 
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