Ameiurus - Description and Identification

Description and Identification

Bullheads do not get as large as the other US native catfishes, with averages sizes in the one to two-pound range and world record sizes well under 10 pounds.

All three major bullheads can be confused with other catfishes by novice anglers. Because they have an unforked tail, many people mistakenly think small flathead catfish are bullheads. Both have the squared tail, and can have a mottled, brown appearance (in the case of the brown bullhead), but the flathead lower lip protrudes farther than its upper lip and it has a flat or "shovel" head. They also have very different habits and habitat.

Flatheads generally eat only live things, while bullheads will freely eat dead fish or other small animals. The flathead is more likely to be found at the bottom of dams or in gravel pits, while bullheads are found more often in the most brackish areas. Additionally, flatheads can reach weights well in excess of 100 pounds, while the current world's record for any bullhead is a black bullhead, recorded at 8 lb even (3.63 kg), while the average adult is perhaps two pounds. Brown and yellow bullheads are significantly smaller.