Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: Flat Bullhead

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Page and Burr (1991); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994). Another commonly used name is Ictalurus platycephalus.

Size: 29 cm.

Native Range: Atlantic Piedmont and Coastal Plain from Roanoke River drainage, Virginia, to Altamaha River drainage, Georgia (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: This species was intentionally stocked in North Carolina. Although tentatively considered native to the James River, Virginia, Jenkins and Burkhead (1994) reported that the species may have escaped from a stocked farm pond. Possibly introduced as a sportfish in drainages of Georgia outside its native range.

Status: Established in North Carolina; probably established in Georgia. Reported in Virginia.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: The two Virginia specimens taken in the upper James were lost (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). This species closely resembles the snail bullhead Ameiurus brunneus, and some flathead records may be based on misidentifications. Dahlberg and Scott (1971a) did not list this species from the Chattahoochee drainage in Georgia.

References: (click for full references)

Couch, C. A., J. C. DeVivo, and B J. Freeman. 1995. What fish live in the streams of metropolitan Atlanta? Fact Sheet FS-091-95, National Water-Quality Assessment Program, U.S. Geological Survey, Atlanta, GA.

Jenkins, R. E., and N. M. Burkhead. 1994. Freshwater fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

Menhinick, E. F. 1991. The freshwater fishes of North Carolina. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 227 pp.

Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 4/11/2006

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.