Species · GBIF taxon 2340989
Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosusAlso known as Horned Pout, Mud Cat, Hornpout, Square-Tail Catfish
Brown bullheads thrive in murky, slow-moving waters where their sensitive chin barbels detect food along the muddy bottom. Parents construct shallow nests in mud or gravel and guard both eggs and dense swarms of newly hatched fry until they mature. Their dark, mottled skin provides excellent camouflage, while sharp spines in their fins defend them against larger aquatic predators.
FreshwaterNocturnalBottom Feeder
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Insects
- Crustaceans
- Small Fish
Predators
- Northern Pike
- Largemouth Bass
- Great Blue Heron
ThreatsWater pollution, siltation, and competition from non-native species.
HabitatsLakes, ponds, sluggish rivers, and muddy-bottomed reservoirs.
Life span6 to 9 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderSiluriformes
- FamilyIctaluridae
- GenusAmeiurus
- SpeciesAmeiurus nebulosus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins can puncture skin; handle with care.
- Why it is dangerous
- Dorsal and pectoral fins carry sharp, rigid spines that easily puncture skin and introduce mild toxins or bacteria.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for dark brown chin barbels, mottled olive-brown flanks, and a squarish tail fin.
- What to do
- Slide your hand behind the dorsal and pectoral spines from below to grip firmly without touching the tips.
Responsible observation
- Handling Safety: Hold the fish carefully by placing your hand underneath the belly, sliding fingers behind the sharp fin spines.
- Observation: Best seen at dusk or night near shallow, muddy shorelines using a soft light.
Co-occurring Catfish (c) Ryan Somma, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Basar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Fishes of Texas team, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Fishes of Texas team · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.