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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.

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Common name: bullhead catfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: There are seven recognized species in the genus Ameiurus, but stock fishes are most likely A. melas (black bullhead), A. natalis (yellow bullhead), or A. nebulosus (brown bullhead) .

Bullhead catfish are distinguishable by their barbels located near the corners of their mouth, a broad head, spiny caudal and pectoral fins, and no scales. Bullhead catfish (and even Pylodictis olivaris (flathead catfish), can be distinguished from Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish) and I. furcatus (blue catfish) by their squared tailfins, rather than forked. 

Size: The sizes vary, but black bullheads are the largest of the three species (47.8 cm, 1.8 kg; Trautman 1981)

Native Range: Bullhead catfishes are native to the eastern portion of the North American continental divide, from their westernmost point in central Montana, south to Texas, in streams to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast, and north to Canada (Hardman and Lawrence 2003). 

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

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

Ecology: Bullheads are habitat generalist found in ponds, rivers, oxbows, and lakes. Bullheads are tolerant of low oxygen condition and brackish water. They are nocturnal omnivore benthic feeders eating virtually anything, including detritus (dead material), insects, crayfish, fish, fish eggs, and macroalgae (Trautman 1981).

Means of Introduction: Stocked for sport

Impact of Introduction: Bullheads can inflict a sting with their pectoral fin spines. The pain can last for a week or more. The sting is caused by small glands near their fins that produce a poison which causes swelling (Etnie and Starnes 1993).

References: (click for full references)

Etnier, D.A., and W.C. Starnes. 1993. The fishes of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN.

Hardman, M. and Lawrence, P.M. 2003. Phylogenetic relationships among bullhead catfishes of the Genus Ameiurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae). Copeia 1:20-33.

Trautman, M.B. 1981. The fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press, Columbus, OH.

Other Resources:

Author: Daniel, W.M.

Peer Review Date: 9/20/2019

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.