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Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead,  Ameiurus natalis

 
Physical Description: 
�	Rounded anal fin
�	Stout body, compressed posteriorly
�	Chin barbels pale
�	Sharp dorsal and pectoral spines
�	Depressed head
�	Inferior mouth
�	Tail fin not forked
�	Brown to gold body
�	Dusky brown fins

Similar species: 
�	White catfish (Ameiurus catus)
�	Flat bullhead (Ameiurus platycephalus)
�	Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 120-300 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Warm pools and backwaters in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, streams and rivers

Distribution in VA:
�	All Atlantic slope, Big Sandy, and Tennessee drainages
�	Introduced in the Roanoke and Big Sandy drainages

Food Habits:  
�	Microcrustaceans, insect larvae, and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature by age 2
�	Spawning probably occurs in late April through June 
�	Spawn in shallow, round nests in calm water
�	200-700 eggs are laid

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Most commonly-caught catfish

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):

VAFWIS
Black Bullhead
Black Bullhead
Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish
Brown Bullhead
Brown Bullhead
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
Flat Bullhead
Flat Bullhead
Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Margined Madtom
Margined Madtom
Mountain Madtom
Mountain Madtom
Orangefin Madtom
Orangefin Madtom
Stonecat
Stonecat
Tadpole Madtom
Tadpole Madtom
White Catfish
White Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead
Yellowfin Madtom
Yellowfin Madtom
Continue Browsing Families.....
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  2. Polyodontidae, Paddlefish
  3. Acipenseridae, Sturgeons
  4. Lepisosteidae, Gars
  5. Amiidae, Bowfins
  6. Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels
  7. Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes
  8. Ictaluridae, Catfish
  9. Percopsidae, Trout-Perches
  10. Salmonidae, Trouts
  11. Clupeidae, Herrings
  12. Esocidae, Pikes
  13. Aphredoderidae, Pirate Perches
  14. Umbridae, Mudminnows
  15. Fundulidae, Killifishes
  16. Poeciliidae, Livebearers
  17. Cyprinidae, Minnows
  18. Catostomidae, Suckers
  19. Gasterosteidae, Sticklebacks
  20. Atherinidae, Silversides
  21. Cottidae, Sculpins
  22. Sciaenidae, Drums
  23. Percidae, Perches
  24. Moronidae, Striped Basses
  25. Centrarchidae, Sunfishes

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