Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas)
Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1920. Body is black or dark
gray on back with no mottling and yellowish sides; Belly is white
or yellow. Chin barbels are dark black. Tail fin is slightly notched.
Length: 5 to 15 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 2 pounds. Location
and Habitat: Not widespread. Prefers relatively quiet, murky waters,
soft bottoms and rarely found in clear, rocky-bottomed habitats. They
are a hardy fish, tolerant of warm water and low levels of dissolved
oxygen. Foods: Primarily scavengers, they generally feed at night
on small fish, snails, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Angling: Like
the yellow bullhead, the black bullhead is often overlooked as a sport
fish but can be easily caught with worms, nightcrawlers or crickets,
fished on the bottom, at night. Table Quality: The meat is white and
has a good flavor, but may be soft in the summer months.
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