Fish Profile - Yellow Bullhead Catfish

While it is most often mistaken for the brown bullhead, a yellow bullhead can be distinguished by its white chin barbels. In addition, the yellow bullhead has a somewhat smaller (eight to 12 inches) and huskier body than a brown bullhead and its tail is rounded rather than square.

Yellow bullheads prefer the waters of ponds, streams, and small brooks, with some vegetation and clear water. They spawn slightly earlier than other bullheads - usually in late May or June. Nests are often built under a stream bank or near the protection of large stones or stumps.

Yellow bullheads are less tolerant of harmful conditions than their cousins the brown bullheads. They do not tolerate turbid or muddy waters well and removal of stumps, logs, or vegetation - needed for spawning cover - will cause a decrease in their numbers.

Like other catfish, yellow bullheads make a tasty meal. However, because of their more limited range, they are not often caught by anglers.

Species Facts

Science Name: Ameiurus natalis Other Names: butter cat, yellow cat, creek cat, white-whiskered bullhead, greaser, polliwog Ideal Temp: 72 to 80 World Record: 4 lbs. 4 ounces, Az. Environment: stream and lake Techniques: bottom fishing, light tackle

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