Bullhead catfish across North Carolina

“Bullhead catfish are extremely abundant in many North Carolina streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. They tolerate a wide variety of habitats, including very muddy water and even low oxygen levels. Although their numbers can be extremely high in many bodies of water, they usually don’t get the attention of other catfish species because of their smaller size. There are four bullhead species that are native in North Carolina: Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Flat Bullhead, and Snail Bullhead. Black Bullhead catfish are non-native, and biologists occasionally see them during their routine sampling.”

“Although these catfish are difficult to identify by species, they are easily separated from other catfish by their lack of a forked tail. Color varies depending on species, but all are characterized by a robust, squatty appearance. Fish experts consider the white catfish a bullhead as well, although anglers can identify it by its white appearance and moderately forked tail.”