brown bullhead
| Scientific name | Ameiurus nebulosus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Lesueur |
| Year of description | 1819 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Ictaluridae |
| Genus | Ameiurus |
Introduction
Ameiurus nebulosus, commonly known as brown bullhead, is a fresh water fish from the North America.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size25 cm
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Maximum size55 cm
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Longevity9 year
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ShapeCatfish
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Average size25 cm
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Maximum size55 cm
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Longevity9 year
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ShapeCatfish
How to recognize the brown bullhead ?
This fish has the particularity to possess several pairs of barbels, which allow him to search the bottom and to detect the food thus moved.
The brown bullhead measures between 25 and 55 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron and gris body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in small groups
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territorialYes
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Way of livingnocturnal
The brown bullhead is a fish living in small groups naturally found on the bottom. The members of each group are organized around a well established hierarchy. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. However, the brown bullhead has little concern for non-territorial animals.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
The brown bullhead is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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pH (acidity)6.6 - 7.6
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gh (hardness)6 - 16
Biotope presentation
The brown bullhead is most often found at a depth between 0m and 12m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Species of the same family
yellowfin madtom
Ictaluridae
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Pollution-induced behavioural effects in the brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) - Ross D. Breckels - Bryan D. Neff - Springer Nature - 2010.
Growth, health aspects and histopathology of brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus L.): replacing fishmeal with soybean meal and brewer’s yeast - Daniel Matulić - Josip Barišić - Ivica Aničić - Tea Tomljanović - Roman Safner - Tomislav Treer - Jian Gao - Ines Glojnarić - Rozelindra Čož-Rakovac - Scientific Reports - 2020.
Where to see this species?
Species of the same family
yellowfin madtom
Ictaluridae
Same genus
black bullhead
Ictaluridae
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners