Ictalurus melas
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| Black Bullhead | |
| |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Species | Ictalurus melas |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Min. Tank Size | 340.687 liters 340,687.06 mL 90 US Gallons (340.7L) |
| Size | 40.64 cm
7-16 " (17.8-40.6cm) |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| Temp. | 288.706 K 15.556 °C 519.67 °R 300.928 K |
| Water Hardness |
6-10 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:1 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
4-10 years |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- Black Bullhead, Black Catfish, Brown Catfish, Bullhead, Common Bullhead, Horned Pout, River Snapper, Small Bullhead, Stinger, Yellow Belly Bullhead
[edit] Other Scientific Names
- Ameiurus melas
[edit] Origin
- The USA, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins from New York to southern Saskatchewan and Montana, south to northern Mexico. Has been introduced in Europe and is considered a pest species.
[edit] Sexing
- Difficult to sex. Females are broader during spawning season which is mid-spring.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- Needs a large tank without a strong current. Will eat any fish that fits in it's mouth, but will thrive in captivity in the right conditions.
[edit] Diet
- Omnivourous, will take most pellet and flake foods. When adult they will eat other fish. When juvanile they will eat small fish and crustaceans.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Twice a day, a nocturnal hunter however so may prefer to be fed after lights out.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Needs a tank with a spacious footprint and soft substrate.
[edit] Behaviour
- Nocturnal feeder. Active mostly at night.
[edit] Identification
- A typical catfish shape, with a broad flat head and a large mouth surrounded by several sets of barbels. Colouration varies from shades of brown to black, the barbels are either grey or black and there is a pale coloured band at the base of the tail.
- This fish, like many catfish, has spines on it's fins that can inflict a painful sting, so be very wary putting your hands near this fish.
