Scientific Name
Ameiurus melas
Other Names
Small bullhead, Mudcat, Smoothie and Polliwog
Description
Black bullheads are full-bodied fish having small eyes and dark chin barbels. The upper jaw protrudes past the lower jaw. A mixture of black, yellow, and brown color the upper sides and back of these fish while the belly is a white color. These fish can reach lengths of over 20 inches and reach weights of 7 pounds or more, though most fish average less than a pound in weight.
Habits and Habitat
Adult black bullheads are bottom feeders, preying mostly on crayfish, aquatic insects, and fish. Black bullheads are found in streams, deep pools, and oxbow lakes. They are also found in reservoirs but do better in smaller water areas. Spawning for the black bullhead varies starting from early spring lasting through the summer when water temperatures are 68ºF to about 72ºF. Unlike other fish, the female usually constructs the nests and will guard it first before the male, and continues to guard it after spawning takes place. Like green sunfish, bullheads often colonize new ponds from existing water bodies and overpopulate and compete with bass and bream.
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 5.56 pounds, caught by Harold Alexander in Sunrise Lake in 1988.
Fishing Fact
Black bullheads are generally not sought after by Mississippi anglers due to their small size, but these fish can be caught with worms or other natural bait in streams or small ponds.