Fish Profile - Brown Bullhead Catfish

The brown bullhead is a medium sized fish - averaging about eight to 14 inches in length. It has the typical catfish appearance of a broad, flat head and dark barbels around the face. Its square tail and mottled side coloration distinguishes it from other members of the catfish family. The brown bullhead is generally dark brown above and yellow to white on its belly, but as is the case with most fishes, its color may vary with its surroundings.

Brown bullheads are probably the most adaptable member of the catfish family and live in a wide variety of habitats. They exemplify the hardiness of catfishes in general, tolerating both high water temperatures and low oxygen levels. They are present in many cool lakes and often abundant in warm water ponds, lakes, and larger, slow moving streams. They occur in areas with or without aquatic vegetation and can be found over both muddy and gravelly bottoms.

Spawning takes place in May or June when the water temperature approaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire process can take as much as several weeks, with one or both parents remaining for the whole time. Bullhead nests are usually found in a shaded spot near a log, but sometimes they will nest inside objects such as an auto tire nailed to a boat dock.

Brown bullheads are delicious to eat and a favorite of many. During the spring, anglers can catch them by the bucketful and large bullhead feeds are popular.

Species Facts

Science Name: Ameiurus nebulosus Other Names: creek cat, mud cat, horned pout, red cat, speckled cat Ideal Temp: 74 to 85 World Record: 6 lbs 1 ounce NY Environment: river, lake Techniques: Light tackle

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