Brown Bullhead

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The brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a medium-sized freshwater catfish native to eastern North America from the coast to the Great Lakes to Alabama. It has a stout body covered in smooth, scaleless skin, with mottled brown coloration that provides camouflage in muddy waters. It typically grows between 8 and 14 inches long and weighs up to 2 pounds, though larger individuals have been recorded. Like other catfish, the brown bullhead has long barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) around its mouth, which help it detect food in low-visibility environments. It is an opportunistic bottom feeder, consuming insects, crustaceans, fish, and plant material. Brown bullheads are highly tolerant of poor water quality and can survive in low-oxygen environments where many other fish cannot. They spawn in late spring and early summer with males and females working together to create a nest in shallow, sheltered areas. After laying eggs, both parents guard the developing fry, a behavior uncommon among fishes. Due to their adaptability, brown bullheads have been introduced beyond their native range and are now found across North America and parts of Europe. They are popular among anglers and are often caught for food, particularly in rural fishing communities.

Fun Fact:  Brown Bullhead have venomous spines that cause a painful sting, be careful when handling them!