Edit Fish Page: Ictalurus melas

Basic information

Care information

Optimal tank parameters

Details

Free text:

==Alternative names== :Black Bullhead, {{cn|Black Catfish}}, {{cn|Brown Catfish}}, {{cn|Bullhead}}, {{cn|Common Bullhead}}, {{cn|Horned Pout}}, {{cn|River Snapper}}, {{cn|Small Bullhead}}, {{cn|Stinger}}, {{cn|Yellow Belly Bullhead}} === Synonyms === :{{sn|Ameiurus melas}} == 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. == Sexing == :Difficult to sex. Females are broader during spawning season which is mid-spring. ==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. == Diet == :Omnivorous, will take most pellet and flake foods. When adult they will eat other fish. When juvenile they will eat small fish and crustaceans. ==Feeding regime== :Twice a day, a nocturnal hunter however so may prefer to be fed after lights out. == Environment Specifics == :Needs a tank with a spacious footprint and soft substrate. == Behaviour == :Nocturnal feeder. Active mostly at night. == 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. The pectoral spines, however, can be used to distinguish this species from ''[[Ameiurus nebulosus]]'' (Brown Bullhead). Black bullhead spines will feel smooth along the sides. Brown Bullhead spines will feel serrated. The membrane between fin rays is dark, causing the fins to have a striped appearance. == Pictures == <gallery> Image:Ictalurus melas-8464.jpg| </gallery> == External links == *{{FishBase |id=291}} *[http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/fish/ictalurusmel.html Rook.org] *[http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=32 Planet Catfish] *[http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/melas.html Scotcat] [[Category:Fish (Freshwater)]] [[Category:Fish Species]] [[Category:Catfish]] [[Category:North American Catfish]]

Summary:

This is a minor edit Watch this page

Cancel