Yellow Bullhead

The yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) is a small to medium-sized freshwater catfish native to North America. It typically grows between 6 and 14 inches in length and weighs up to 2 pounds. It has a stocky body covered in smooth, scaleless skin, with a yellowish-brown to olive back, a pale yellow belly, and distinctly white or yellow barbels around its mouth, which help distinguish it from other bullhead species. Yellow bullheads are bottom feeders, consuming insects, crustaceans, small fish, and plant material. They are highly tolerant of low-oxygen, warm, and murky waters, allowing them to thrive in ponds, slow-moving rivers, and swamps where other fish might struggle. Spawning occurs in late spring and early summer, with males and females building nests in sheltered areas. Both parents guard the eggs and young fry, a rare behavior among many fish species. Due to their adaptability, yellow bullheads have been introduced beyond their native range and are now found in various freshwater habitats across North America, including every state in the continental US. They are commonly caught by anglers and are valued as a hardy species for recreational fishing and local food sources.

Fun fact: The yellow bullhead’s skin is covered in taste buds, helping it to detect its prey in murky environments.