Aggressive catfish attacks bathers – police shoot father animal!

Aggressive catfish attacks bathers – police shoot father animal!

On Friday, June 20, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Lake Brombachsee in Middle Franconia when a catfish over two meters long and weighing around 90 kilograms attacked at least five bathers. They were injured and suffered abrasions as a result of the attacks, which took place over the course of just two hours. The water rescue service was forced to alert the police to close the bathing area and defuse the situation. The aggressiveness of the catfish posed a significant safety risk for bathers, which ultimately led to a drastic step: a police officer shot the fish with his service weapon.

After the incident, two anglers recovered the dead catfish from the lake. The bathing area was reopened after the fish was rescued. Marine biologist and animal rights activist Robert Marc Lehmann said in a YouTube video that the catfish was hit, but was still showing breathing movements an hour after the shot, which calls into question the legality of the killing. This prompted the animal protection organization PETA to file a criminal complaint and label the killing as illegal.

The cause of the attacks

The attacks by the catfish are interpreted as an instinctive protective reflex of a male in the brood care phase. Male catfish guard their clutch for a period of three to five days after laying their eggs, but during this time they also show increased defensive behavior if they feel threatened. However, such aggression in catfish is rare, as the European catfish is generally considered shy.

The incident also raises questions about catfish behavior and threats. They can exhibit aggressive behavior, as shown in this case, especially when they feel threatened by themselves or their brood. It was pointed out that catfish can grow extremely large and live up to 70 years, making the management of these fish in Germany's waters increasingly important. In addition, the spread of catfish in German waters is favored by climate change.

Comparison to other wildlife incidents

The incident at Brombachsee is reminiscent of discussions about safety when dealing with wild animals. Similar to wolf attacks that are the subject of a study by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), this incident highlights the need to recognize and avoid potential threats from wildlife. For example, when encountering wolves, it is recommended to avoid certain behaviors to minimize the risk of attacks. Wolves show tolerance around humans and sometimes associate them with food sources, but this does not automatically lead to attacks.

People's safety is the top priority for many associations, with the focus should be on preventive measures and educating the population. In view of the seriousness of the incident at Brombachsee, an objective approach to the issue of the danger of wild animals is required in order to protect both people and animals.