Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1920. Body is black or dark gray on back with
no mottling and yellowish sides; Belly is white or yellow. Chin barbels
are dark black. Tail fin is slightly notched. Length: 5 to 15 inches.
Weight: 4 ounces to over 2 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Not widespread. Prefers relatively quiet, murky waters, soft bottoms and
rarely found in clear, rocky-bottomed habitats. They are a hardy fish,
tolerant of warm water and low levels of dissolved oxygen.
Food
Primarily scavengers, they generally feed at night on small fish, snails,
crustaceans and aquatic insects.
Angling
Like the yellow bullhead, the black bullhead is often overlooked as a sport
fish but can be easily caught with worms, nightcrawlers or crickets, fished
on the bottom, at night.
Table
Quality
The meat is white and has a good flavor, but may be soft in the summer
months.
