Brown Bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus)
The brown bullhead is a North American species which was imported into Europe at the turn of this century and has since multiplied profusely in many suitable rivers. It has similarities with the well, but has a fleshy adipose fin between its dorsal and caudal fins, whilst its mouth is equipped with eight long barbels. Its back is brown-green to black, the lighter sides have a golden sheen and the white belly turns yellow to orange-yellow during the mating season. Its dorsal and pectoral fins contain a strong, thorny ray. It spawns from April to June, when the female lays her cream- coloured eggs in a bowl-shaped nest and the males subsequently guard them and later also the young fry. After the spawning season large shoals of dark-coloured, young brown bullheads can be seen swimming close to the water surface. This species can endure low oxygen levels in water, and like the crucian carp or the weatherfish it can survive in waters where other fish would suffocate. It is omnivorous, as it consumes both vegetable and animal food, and in Europe grows to a length of about 25 to 30 cm and a weight of about 0.5 kg.
It is a native inhabitant of southern Canada and the USA and is abundant in the large North American lakes and the watershed of the St. Lawrence river.
A second and similar American catfish, the black bullhead (I. ludas), has also been introduced to Europe.
Maximum size and weight:
30 cm, 500 g. Identifying characteristics: Resembles the wets, but has an adipose fin on the back and
8 long barbels at the wide mouth. Strong spines in its dorsal and pectoral fins.
