Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Bullheads/Catfishes > Black Bullhead
Black Bullhead - Ameiurus melas
Exotic Species (not native to Montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
The black bullhead is the most common bullhead in Montana. It is an introduced species with scattered populations statewide but primarily concentrated in small ponds and backwater sloughs of eastern Montana. Black bullheads are extremely tolerant of high water temperature and turbidity and low dissolved oxygen, thus making them a good fish for certain ponds. Their feeding and spawning habits are similar to channel catfish. Newly-hatched bullhead fry swim in a large mass which looks like a moving black ball, attended by the parents, often providing a unique curiosity to a first-time observer. They seldom exceed 1 pound in weight and thus are rarely a desirable game fish in Montana waters.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Rear edge of spine in pectoral fins smooth or nearly so. Membranes between fins darker than rays.
Distribution
Montana Range
Habitat
Turbid, mud bottomed lakes and ponds; also pools and backwaters of streams. Tolerates high water temperatures and low levels of dissolved oxygen.
Food Habits
Omnivorous. Mostly aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and vegetation matter. Young feed during day, while adults feed at night.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature in 2nd or 3rd year. Spawns May-early July in shallow water, often among aquatic vegetation.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Black Bullhead — Ameiurus melas. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on January 31, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCKA06030.aspx
|
|
Sign Up for our Newsletter
*Includes current store specials/coupons and
Fish Tails stories
|
Enter Your Story to
Fish Tails and earn yourself a $20 gift certificate
Want to share your favorite fish story with other anglers?
Email me your picture and story (the fish that got away stories, funny stories, bragging rite stories, extreme stories).
If selected we will give you a $20 gift certificate and your story in our quarterly newsletter, and feature it on our website.
|
|
