Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 55 cm.
Originally from eastern North America, from the Great Lakes and the Mississippi basin to the east coast.
Description
The brown bullhead is a scaleless catfish of the family Ictaluridae reaching about 55 cm but usually smaller. The stout, brown to yellow-brown body is often faintly mottled and carries eight barbels around the broad mouth, with which the fish searches for food by touch. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear stout, serrated spines; an adipose fin sits behind the dorsal fin. The species is native to eastern North America but has been introduced to Europe, where it is locally established. It lives in still and slow-flowing water, is active at night and feeds as an omnivore on invertebrates, plant matter and small fish. The parents guard their brood.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown bullhead?
The Brown bullhead has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Scaleless catfish with eight barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin and strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins.
Where does the Brown bullhead live?
The Brown bullhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally from eastern North America, from the Great Lakes and the Mississippi basin to the east coast.
How big does the Brown bullhead get?
The Brown bullhead grows to a maximum of about 55 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Brown bullhead dangerous to humans?
The Brown bullhead can cause injury; handle it with care. The spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins can give painful puncture wounds if grasped; hold the fish carefully behind the spines and clean any wound thoroughly.
Is the Brown bullhead edible?
The Brown bullhead is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Brown bullhead and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ameiurus
More from the family Ictaluridae
Want the complete picture on the Brown bullhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown bullhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.