Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of ponds, lakes and rivers; introduced elsewhere.
Description
The yellow bullhead is a stocky, scaleless catfish of the family Ictaluridae (North American catfishes) reaching about 60 cm but usually smaller. The yellow-brown body has four pairs of barbels around the mouth, of which the chin barbels are conspicuously white, an adipose fin and stout spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins that cause painful puncture wounds. The species is native to the fresh water of central and eastern North America and lives in slow, densely vegetated water of ponds, lakes and rivers. As an omnivore it searches, mainly at night, with its barbels for insects, crustaceans, molluscs, small fish and plant matter. The parents make a nest and fiercely guard the young. It is a hardy, willing panfish and has been stocked elsewhere, including in parts of Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellow bullhead?
The Yellow bullhead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Stocky, scaleless dwarf catfish with four pairs of barbels (the chin barbels white), an adipose fin and sturdy spines in the pectoral and dorsal fin.
Where does the Yellow bullhead live?
The Yellow bullhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of ponds, lakes and rivers; introduced elsewhere.
How big does the Yellow bullhead get?
The Yellow bullhead grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 23 cm.
Is the Yellow bullhead dangerous to humans?
The Yellow bullhead can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Yellow bullhead edible?
Yes, the Yellow bullhead is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
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Status & sources
Same genus Ameiurus
More from the family Ictaluridae
Want the complete picture on the Yellow bullhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellow bullhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.