The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Flat Bullhead, Ameiurus platycephalus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Rounded anal fin
ï¿½	Dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin
ï¿½	Stout body, round anteriorly, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Barbels bicolored
ï¿½	Sharp dorsal and pectoral spines
ï¿½	Depressed head
ï¿½	Inferior mouth
ï¿½	Tail fin not forked
ï¿½	Brown back
ï¿½	Yellow-green side
ï¿½	Fins colored somewhat yellow-green

Similar species: 
ï¿½	White catfish (Ameiurus catus)
ï¿½	Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus)
ï¿½	Yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 150-220 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm tributaries and main stems of drainages, sometimes large creeks
ï¿½	Pools and backwaters

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Roanoke, Pee Dee, James, and Chowan drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, fish, and plants

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Females mature at age 3
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in June and July at 21-24ï¿½C
ï¿½	Fecundity is 207-1,742 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Good to eat

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):