Fin's Fish Guide
The Armed bullhead (Agonus cataphractus) is a saltwater fish of the family Agonidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the western Baltic Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The hooknose, also called pogge, is a small bottom fish of the family Agonidae reaching about 21 cm. The whole body is armoured with rows of bony plates, giving the fish a stiff, angular look. The blunt snout bears two forward-pointing hooks and the underside of the head has tufts of short barbels, with which the fish searches for food by touch. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the North Sea, the north-eastern Atlantic coast and the Baltic, from the beach to several hundred metres. It eats small bottom crustaceans and worms. Because of its armour and small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Armed bullhead?
The Armed bullhead has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. The entire body is armoured with bony plates; the blunt snout bears two forward-pointing hooks and the underside tufts of barbels.
Where does the Armed bullhead live?
The Armed bullhead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the western Baltic Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Armed bullhead get?
The Armed bullhead grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the Armed bullhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Armed bullhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Armed bullhead edible?
The Armed bullhead is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Armed bullhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Armed bullhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Agonidae
Want the complete picture on the Armed bullhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Armed bullhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.