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Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) — Ictaluridae

Snail bullhead

Ameiurus brunneus
Family: Ictaluridae

The Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 29 cm.

Length
29 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The snail bullhead is a North American bullhead catfish (Ictaluridae) from clear, flowing rivers of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 29 cm and has a stocky, olive-brown body with a rounded head, four pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches for snails, insect larvae, crustaceans and plant material. The pectoral and dorsal spines are sharp and can prick; otherwise the fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Snail bullhead?

The Snail bullhead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Snail bullhead live?

The Snail bullhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Snail bullhead get?

The Snail bullhead grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.

Is the Snail bullhead dangerous to humans?

No, the Snail bullhead is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) — Ictaluridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Fletcher Stone, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) — Ictaluridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jacob Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) — Ictaluridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) bgmooaz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) — Ictaluridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Robert Lamb, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Snail bullhead sourced
Scientific name
Ameiurus brunneus
Family
Ictaluridae
Other names
Snail bullhead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
29.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ameiurus

More from the family Ictaluridae

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