Common names
Black bullhead
Black bullhead catfish
Ameiurus melas
- Freshwater
- Least concern
Max length26 in
Common length10.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight6 lb 10 oz
Min Depth33 ft
Max age10 years
Water typeFreshwater
Water temperature46 - 86 °F
PH range6.5 - 8.0
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Black bullhead have dusky or black chin barbels, and the edge of their tail fin is notched, not straight. Bullhead catfishes, as a group, are chubby catfish. They have barbels located near their mouth, a broad head, spiny fins and no scales. They can be identified from other bullheads as the barbels are black, and it has a tan crescent around the tail. Its caudal fin is truncated. Black bullheads are typically black to greenish-black on the back, ranging from gray or white on the belly. However, in muddy water, the back may be yellowish-brown. The anal fin has 17-21 rays. It generally does not get as large as the channel or blue catfish.
Habitat
They are very tolerant fish and can live in muddy water, with warmer temperatures and in water with lower levels of oxygen, which reduce competition from other fish. They have been known to congregate in confined spaces, such as lake outlets or under dams.
Distribution
Black bullheads are found throughout the central United States, often in stagnant or slow-moving waters with soft bottoms.
Behaviour
Black bullheads are omnivorous, feeding primarily from the bottom on a wide range of plant and animal material, both live and dead. Fingerlings feed almost exclusively on crustaceans. Immature aquatic insects and crustaceans often comprise a considerable proportion of the adult diet.
Edibility
Good, when they're cleaned and prepared properly.
Lure suggestion
Bullheads eat just about anything they can swallow. Angle worms and nightcrawlers are standard baits. You can also use leeches, live and dead minnows, pieces of chicken, beef, hotdogs, dough balls, stink bait, etc.
Similar species
Other similar species
Yellow bullhead