The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Brown Bullhead, Ameiurus nebulosus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Rounded anal fin
ï¿½	Chunky body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Chin barbels dark
ï¿½	Sharp dorsal and pectoral spines
ï¿½	Depressed head
ï¿½	Slightly inferior mouth
ï¿½	Tail fin not forked
ï¿½	Gray, brown, or black body, mottled coloring on the body
ï¿½	Fins brown or black

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas)
ï¿½	White catfish (Ameiurus catus)
ï¿½	Flat bullhead (Ameiurus platycephalus)
ï¿½	Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 140-340 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm backwaters, pools, creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs
ï¿½	Not very tolerant of turbidity

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Native to all Atlantic slope drainages and Delmarva peninsula
ï¿½	Probably introduced to the New drainage and the North Fork Holston River

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Microcrustaceans, algae, invertebrates, and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature at age 3
ï¿½	Spawning probably occurs in June to July at 14 to 29ï¿½C
ï¿½	Nest in shallow water either in the open or in shallows
ï¿½	Fecundity is 1,500-2,600 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Good to eat, easy to catch

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):