Black bullhead (Ameiurus melas)

Scientific name: Ameiurus melas Rafinesque, 1820

The Black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 8–30°C (46–86°F).

Black bullhead care at a glance

Temperature: 8–30°C (46–86°F)

Biology

Inhabits pools, backwaters, and sluggish current over soft substrates in creeks and small to large rivers; impoundments, oxbows, and ponds. Nocturnal feeder, young consume immature insects, leeches, and crustaceans while adults also feed on clams, snails, plant material, and fishes. Edible. Are susceptible of being caught, where they are abundant, with baited lines intended for other species. Is considered a nuisance. Often misidentified as A. nebulosus.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ameiurus melas
Family: Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 66.0
Common length: 26.6
Depth range: 10 m (33 ft)
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 25 demersal; amphidromous; depth range 10 - ? m
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: Great Lakes to northern Mexico. Confusion over the taxonomic status of this species together with Ameiurus nebulosus resulted in more doubts as to which of the two is present in some countries. In Europe it forms dense stunted populations which makes it unpopular. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tmax=10; Assuming tm=3)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026