Black bullhead

Lore & Background

Black bullheads are bottom-rover fish, dorsoventrally flattened with a slightly humped back. They have black barbels, a broad head, spiny fins, no scales, and a truncated caudal fin with a tan crescent around the tail. They can be distinguished from brown bullheads by weak serration on the pectoral spine and a gray base on the anal fin. Their color is typically black or dark brown dorsally and yellow or white ventrally, though it varies by location. They are omnivorous, feeding on grains, plant matter, insects, dead or living fish, and crustaceans. During winter, they may bury themselves in debris near shorelines, exposing only their gills, and reduce or stop eating. Spawning occurs from April through June, with females scooping depressions in mud or sand at depths of 0.6–1.2 meters. Eggs are laid in a gelatinous mass and guarded by both parents, who fan and stir the spawn. After hatching, young remain in a compact school, and parents abandon them when they reach about 25 millimeters in length.

Reader's Guide

The black bullhead is the largest of the bullhead catfish species, though it generally does not grow as large as channel or blue catfish. Its tolerance for poor water conditions—including low oxygen, high silt, pollution, and warm temperatures—has allowed it to survive in degraded habitats and to be introduced in many areas of the US. However, it is considered a rough fish and is seldom used in active stocking programs because it competes with bluegill and channel catfish and does not grow as fast or large. In clean water, its flesh is pale and makes excellent table fare, though larger individuals may have strong-tasting fat near the belly and gills. It reproduces readily in ponds and can maintain populations without restocking, making it suitable for mixed-species ponds with predator species like bass to control numbers. As an invasive species in Europe, it has been targeted for eradication; in the United Kingdom, it was eliminated from a single location using rotenone biocide. The European Union prohibits its import, breeding, transport, commercialization, or intentional release. Anglers catch black bullheads using techniques similar to those for channel catfish, often with earthworms and smaller hooks. They are most active at night and may be caught during the day in shaded areas. In areas with little fishing pressure, they have been caught while casting and retrieving metal spoon lures.

Did You Know?

• During winter, black bullheads may bury themselves in debris along shorelines with only their gills exposed, reducing or stopping food intake.
• The largest recorded black bullhead specimen was 24 inches (61 cm) long, making it the largest of the bullheads.
• In the United Kingdom, the species was eradicated from Lake Meadows, Billericay, Essex, using rotenone biocide.