Black bullhead, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead. Brown Bullhead. They eat just about anything that fits in their mouth, and people do not often keep them in home aquariums. When fully mature, bullhead catfish weigh less than one pound and have smooth skin without scales. But among catfish, that's kind of like saying sirloin isn't at the top of the list for best beef. Please contact us anytime by phone or email. Also related to them are species like white catfish. The black bullhead or black bullhead catfish (Ameiurus melas) is a species of bullhead catfish. Blue catfish have an adipose fin and a single, serrated spine in the dorsal and pectoral fins. The seven species are the snail, spotted, white, flat, black, brown, and yellow Bullheads. However, distinguishing it from the brown bullhead is slightly more difficult, with the main distinguishing factor is the nearly smooth pectoral spine on the black bullhead while the brown bullhead’s spine is strongly barbed. However, they compete directly with channel catfish and sometimes cause water turbidity problems. Bait: Bullhead will eat just about anything from chicken liver, prepared (dough) bait, corn, leeches or worms. You're liable to hook up with good-sized catfish while using bullhead bait. They tend to avoid freely flowing waters. The scientific name of the black bullhead is Ameiurus melas and its capable of living in waters that lave low-oxygen levels, turbid, very warm or brackish. Bullheads also make excellent table fare; many anglers consider catfish taken from cool, clean water to be the ultimate in piscatorial cuisine. The black bullhead or black bullhead catfish is a species of bullhead catfish. Black bull heads have rounded anal fin with 17-21 rays. Bullheads are also called mud cats, horned pout, river cats, pollywogs, pollies, and barbottes, but they have numerous other nicknames. They have been known to congregate in confined spaces, such as lake outlets or under dams. Bullheads prefer small, muddy lakes and calm pools in warm streams. Considered rough fish, black bullheads are not as popular for sport fishing as their larger relatives, channel catfish, blue catfish, and flat head catfish. Yellowcat and Op is a slang-name for the Flathead catfish. Purchase a tank heater online or from a pet shop. This pond had a good largemouth bass population but had black bullheads stunted at a size the bass could not eat. Mostly found in coastal rivers, ponds, and reservoirs, bullhead catfish don’t get as much attention as many of their catfish cousins because of their smaller size. However, they have pale flesh and make excellent table fare when water quality is good despite their small size. If the bullhead catfish is the only fish in the tank, keep the water between 26 °C (79 °F) and 36 °C (97 °F). In a pinch, a bullhead catfish will even eat sewage. As was said above, pan fry them. You can easily identify this type of bullhead fish because of the black barbels and the tan cresent around its tail. [citation needed] Fisheries experts tend to not recommend them because they compete with bluegill and channel catfish for food and do not grow as fast or get as big as channel catfish. However, they compete directly with channel catfish and sometimes cause water turbidity problems. A good meal puts the finishing touch on each trip.

Mostly found in coastal rivers, ponds, and reservoirs, bullhead catfish don’t get as much attention as many of their catfish cousins because of their smaller size. They are good to eat and are considered invasive at times because they can cause decline in other fish species. The smallest of the Ameiurus species in Alabama, the spotted bullhead is the only one marked with small gray-white spots on a dark gray or tan body. 156-162. Some sources say they are a rough fish, or junk fish, and that they do not taste good at all. It is smaller than the black bullhead, although the all-tackle world record being is a 7-pound 6-ounce fish that was taken on August 1, 2009 in New York State. Bullheads provide many hours to enjoyment to anglers, especially beginning fishermen. Bait: Bullhead will eat just about anything from chicken liver, prepared (dough) bait, corn, leeches or worms. They most often feed at night. The females scoop out a small hole or depression in the lake floor and lay 2000 to 6000 eggs. I want to keep my good population of fish also. Types of Bullhead Catfish. Both species get quite large, often passed 12". The brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a fish of the family Ictaluridae that is widely distributed in North America. Bullhead catfish can tolerate lower oxygen levels in water and higher levels of pollution much better than other fish. Average adult Black Bullheads weigh from 0.3 to 1 kg (11 oz to 2 lb), but Trophy specimen of up to 2 kg (4.5 lb) can sometimes be caught. Bass will feed on black bullhead catfish. Anonymous. Black Bullhead Detailed Information – Montana Animal Field Guide, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/blackbullhead.html, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ameiurus_melas/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Black_bullhead&oldid=991632860, Taxa named by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2014, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. whether it was a brown, black or yellow. They are very tolerant fish, and are able to live in muddy water, with warmer temperatures and in water with lower levels of oxygen, which reduce competition from other fish. As they grow older, they will be able to consume a large variety of foods, and eventually, move on to catfish pellets. Minnesota is home to three species of bullheads. A bullhead catfish sting will hurt for several hours, but rubbing slime from the fish’s belly onto the sting can ease the pain. We’ve compiled some of our favorite bullhead catfish facts so you can learn more about them before you reel them in. even the small ones are good.l would venture a guess that most people that put them down have never tasted one.bullheads are my favorite eating of all the catfish.if they are in a city pond where everyone throws their old lunch and other garbage, of course they'll eat … It has a typical length of 8-14 in, with the largest specimen being 24 in, making it the largest of the bullheads. Invasive aquatic species of Europe: distribution, impacts, and management. A guy who was leasing the land thought he would do me a favor and put a bunch of black Bullheads in my 2 acre pond. Brown Bullheads Just about anything can be kept with a bullhead as long as it can't fit in it's mouth. ... All catfish are good to eat, especially if you like fried fish. ! Researchers currently recognize seven different species in this group. Any bullhead over 12 inches is a good-sized one, so expect to work for a family meal. It can be distinguished from a flathead in that the black bullhead's lower lip does not protrude past the upper lip. The males fertilize the eggs, then care for them. The new count of venomous catfish — which may be more than 1,600, the scientists estimate — is much higher than thought. If you have other fish in your tank, keep the water around 26 °C (79 °F). Feeding Your Catfish Feed the catfish in the evenings. I'm talking large fish. That’s not all that’s compelling about this interesting fish, though. Bullhead vs Catfish Catfish and bullheads should be carefully understood as the meanings of the both go closely. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. The species is often stocked in farm ponds since it is so good to eat. This "hibernation" allows them to survive conditions of low oxygen and low temperature. The difference between them could be evaluated as equivalent to the difference between Asian elephants and Sri Lankan elephants. They can tolerate polluted waters better than any other catfish, prefer water temperatures above 70 degrees, and are most active at night. Black Bullhead. Most definitely they are some very good eating.I prefer the smaller ones 6-8 inch over the big 12-18 inch ones but the large ones are ok if you fillet them. Northern pike do some scavenging too, and have eaten my bullhead baits on a couple occasions. Near the mouth of this fish are barbels, it has a broad head, no scales, and spiny fins. They respond well to earthworms and tend to feed higher up in the water column than channel catfish. Bullhead Fish – Best Bait For Bullhead Catfish Bullhead fish is a relative of the channel catfish that have barbels around their mouths as their main common feature. Water Type: freshwater Latin Name: Ameiurus sp. The anal fin also has a gray base, and the tail also has a pale bar. In this post, I will be writing about the bullhead catfish and how it stands out from the other regular freshwater catfish species we can find easily in the market. Some other members of the family include channel catfish, blue catfish, and more.. Like other bullhead catfish, it has the ability to thrive in waters that are low in oxygen, brackish, turbid and/or very warm. Brown bullheads are native to the eastern U. S. on both sides of the Appalachians and to southern Canada, but have been introduced in many other places. Comment. Black bullheads tend to reside in most waters without having much of a preference. Does the Bullhead Make a Good Pet. Come To Find out we Have Yellow BullHead Catfish and they are the most WONDERFUL aqaurim fish I have ever kept. It generally does not get as large as the channel or blue catfish, with average adult weights are in the 1- to 2-lb range, and almost never as large as 4 lb. [8], Black bullheads start to spawn in April and continue through June. In fact, as with bluegill, a pond with black bullhead in it needs a predator species such as bass to keep the bullhead population under control. We runs nets in the winter. New Address: 18 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, Current Store Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Closed Sundays. They are the largest of the bullheads and are one of several catfish informally referred to as mud catfish. In some areas of little to no fishing pressure, black bullheads have been found to be more aggressive and have been caught while casting and retrieving metal spoon lures. The Bullhead, or Bullhead Catfish, is a group of catfishes in the family Ictaluridae. Frying the fish is one of the best means of cooking it adding texture and flavor to the meat. Each type of bullhead has a water preference where you are more likely to catch them. Some sources say they are a rough fish, or junk fish, and that they do not taste good at all. 2 Common Names: Black bullhead: Bullhead, common bullhead, black catfish, black cat, yellow‐belly bullhead, horned pout, stinger, river snapper. l would venture a … But catching bullhead can be a lot of fun and they are easy to cook up whole in the fryer. People eat larger bullheads. [2] It also has barbels located near its mouth, a broad head, spiny fins, and no scales. 0 0. Bullheads eat almost anything, from snails and insect larvae to vegetation. Bullheads have been known to eat the eggs of other fishes, as well as feeding quite extensively on minnows. Favorite Answer l have never gotten a bullhead that tasted bad. © COPYRIGHT FISHERMAN'S OUTFITTER 2019. Black bullheads have been known to eat small fish and fish eggs as well. Black Bullhead. This can cause the fish to have a meat that requires seasoning as it has a distinct taste. Water Type: freshwater Latin Name: Ameiurus sp. It’s smart to use fairly strong monofilament line (10-20 lb. You can also cut a shad or bluegill into thirds and use those for bait as well. Mud catfish, also commonly referred to as flathead catfish, is one of the most coveted catfish species. The black bullhead is darker in color -- usually black or dark green ... Bullheads can make a good meal as well. Flatheads by far. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. [5] Since the fillets are generally small, three or four 12-inch bullheads are enough for one hungry adult. Considered rough fish, black bullheads are not as popular for sport fishing as their larger relatives, channel catfish, blue catfish, and flat head catfish. Due to their ability to reproduce in a pond with bass, bullheads are the best catfish for mixed-species ponds that are not fished out and restocked regularly. Internet Marketing Provided by Get Found In Town, Fish Facts: Ten Things You Didn’t Know About the Quick and Nimble Flying Fish, What Do Tilapia Eat and Other Tilapia Facts. Is there any good Catfish traps that someone could recomend?thanks.. Bullhead bites hurt because of their strong jaws and rows of needle-like teeth. This can work in the angler's favor because heightened senses allow catfish to more easily find and eat bait. The largest is the black bullhead, a common resident of ponds, lakes, streams and swamps statewide. As with channel catfish, the flesh around the bellies and gills of larger individuals can be strong tasting due to yellow fat, but these flavors can be avoided by removing the fatty portions of a large specimen when cleaning. It can be a little tricky to identify one species from another, but you’ll probably know right away that it is a bullhead.All bullhead species have an adipose fin between their dorsal and tail fins. During the winter, black bullheads decrease food intake, and may stop eating altogether. The catfish imported from Vietnam is not good to eat, and I’m not even questioning what type of catfish it is. The brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a fish of the family Ictaluridae that is widely distributed in North America. It grows no more than 20 inches in length. Other sources say that they are good table fare, are farmed commercially in the U.S., and even exported to Europe for their popular taste. Bullheads are easiest to catch during the evening and at night when they come out into the now cooler waters in search of food. [7] They have short, pointed, conical teeth, formed in multiple rows called cardiform teeth. Bullheads eat almost anything, from snails and insect larvae to vegetation. Also, the brown bullhead generally has 21 to 24 soft rays through its anal fin as opposed to the black bullhead's 17 to 21. Ameriurus melas - From the Greek words ameiurus meaning unforked caudal fin ... pike, flathead catfish, turtles, great blue herons and otters eat small bullheads up to four inches long. Low oxygen and stagnant pools of water do not pose a problem for them. Bullhead catfish are really adaptable to different water temperatures. Bullhead fish, also known as catfish, are found throughout the United States and usually eat from the bottom of their habitat. They are are almost like a game animal more than a fish. It is a species of bullhead catfish and is similar to the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) and yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis).It was originally described as Pimelodus nebulosus by Charles Alexandre Lesueur in 1819, and is also referred to as Ictalurus nebulosus. Phillips, G.L, Schmid, W.D, & Underhill, J.C. (1991). They however have to handled correctly. Bullhead fish, also known as catfish, are found throughout the United States and usually eat from the bottom of their habitat. The fish are normally skinned, at which a little practice is required to become proficient. They are bottom feeders and eat almost anything including dead fish, insects, other fish, grain, and crayfish. But hands down, night crawlers are the top go-to bait. This is a medium-sized fish belonging to the catfish family which has a slately-black to yellow-olive coloring on the dorsal side. No, these fish do not make good pets. Any sugestions on how to eradicate? Common Names: Black bullhead (A. melas), Brown bullhead (A. nebulosus), Yellow bullhead (A. natalis) World Record: 8 lbs 0 oz. [5], Black bullheads are found throughout the central United States, often in stagnant or slow-moving waters with soft bottoms. As with channel catfish, the flesh around the bellies and gills of larger individuals can be strong tasting due to yellow fat, but these flavors can be avoided by removing the fatty portions of a large specimen when cleaning. By the way, keeping quite a few bullheads is often good for a lake's population. Are Brown Bullhead Catfish good to eat? Both the black and brown bullheads can easily be distinguished from the yellow bullhead as the yellow bullhead has white barbels under its mouth. They are excellent fried and make great catfish fingers. Eggs are laid in small depressions. There is not a big interest in fishing for black bullhead catfish. Many of these are located on the barbels near their mouths. Black bullheads also occur as an invasive species in large parts of Europe. Nope, wouldn't trade a bullhead/pollywog for any flathead catfish, but I will trade one for a live perch to catch a flathead anyday! 1998. The black bullhead is Minnesota's smallest bullhead. Bullhead are known to eat just about anything you dangle in front of them. test), unless you know there are no catfish in the body of water. People in the High Risk Group should not eat Bullheads and catfish from the Housatonic River. Bullheads provide many hours to enjoyment to anglers, especially beginning fishermen. It is typically dorsoventrally flattened, and has a slightly humped back. The receptors help the fish to identify food in their dark habitats. The adults guard eggs and newly hatched fry. I also read that even striped bass can taste bad if coming from dirty water with higher levels of bacteria and certain algae. Bullhead Catfish Details. In Wyoming, bullheads spawn in early summer. When the eggs hatch a week later, both parents watch over the fry for a short while.[3]. Now blues caught in cold weather are are hard to beat too. They're very good. However, they have pale flesh and make excellent table fare when water quality is good despite their small size. (Black bullhead) Last Modified By: hammerdoc on 09/26/08 11:53 AM Ask about Bullhead Catfish in … For that reason, finding them commercially for pond stocking is difficult. [3], Like most of the bullheads (and even flathead catfish), it has a squared tail fin, which is strikingly different from the forked tail of channel and blue catfish. The bullhead has a slightly humped back and large head for its stumpy body. They are the largest of the b… These fish are hardy. They can also sting by injecting poison through the barbs in their fins. This page was last edited on 1 December 2020, at 01:51. (2005). They can also thrive below dams and lake outlets. Distinguishing it from the brown bullhead is a bit more difficult, depending on the area where it is caught, but a distinguishing detail between the two includes a nearly smooth pectoral spine on the black bullhead with the brown being strongly barbed. The catfish is a unique fish species; it exists in many parts of the world which is one of the reasons you can find so many catfish species. They can be caught with things like bacon, hot dog chunks, corn, and even chicken liver. There are four pairs of barbels around the mouth, two on the chin, one at the angle of the mouth, and one behind the nostril. Their care would be similar to blue and channel catfish. Elsewhere in the world, a few catfish species can even kill humans. Black bullhead catfish can thrive in waters where other types of catfish cannot. The bullhead catfish is the most common member of the catfish family and a very tasty fish. It is typically black or dark brown on the dorsal side of its body and yellow or white on the ventral side. Bullheads can even stay alive out of water for several hours. In the United States there are three types of catfish; Channel, Blue and Flathead. But bullheads also can detect, ... Bullheads and other catfish also have very good eyesight despite … Blue catfish are members of the bullhead catfish family, with long slender bodies and barbels on the chin that look like long black whiskers. Black bullhead, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead. Only a relative handful are good to eat… Black bullheads have no scales; instead, they have about 100,000 taste receptors placed all over their bodies. Further, distinguished from the Flathead in that the black bullhead’s lower lip does not protrude past the upper lip. even the small ones are good. Bullheads are considered a moderate-interest game fish and are much less sought after than other catfish. It is a species of bullhead catfish and is similar to the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) and yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis).It was originally described as Pimelodus nebulosus by Charles Alexandre Lesueur in 1819, and is also referred to as Ictalurus nebulosus. The bullhead or "horned pout" is one of the many freshwater catfish in North America belonging to the genus Ameiurus, the family Ictaluridae. The Black Bullhead would is the smallest native bullhead to Wisconsin with a typical size between 5 to 12 inches. Midge larvae and other young insects are the primary diet for adult bullheads. Gravel-What ever size and color you prefer. A bullhead catfish sting will hurt for several hours, but rubbing slime from the fish’s belly onto the sting can ease the pain. Frying the fish is one of the best means of cooking it adding texture and flavor to the meat. The anal fins base is light grey. There are three common types of bullhead that are found throughout the United States. Bullheads and catfish eat a lot of dead baitfish, so a freshly cut up chunk of fish is exactly what bullheads are searching for. The coloring is dark olive to black on the upper body, with a whitish belly. The meat can become soft and less palatable in the summer. Philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote that bullheads “will take any kind of bait, from angleworms to a piece of tomato can.”. Black bullhead catfish live … The fish can be aggressive with bait fish and can often take over an entire pond unless there are bass present. Not All Catfish is Good to Eat. The bullhead is remarkably smaller than the other catfish species, the shape of its head is remarkably different; … And YouTube offers quite a few videos on how to prepare them. The fact is, there are hundreds of species of catfish! The state record bullhead catfish weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces. For anglers not interested in eating bullheads, it’s worth noting that these small-scale catfish make great bait for those huge monster catfish. 6. Most definitely they are some very good eating .I prefer the smaller ones 6-8 inch over the big 12-18 inch ones but the large ones are ok if you fillet them . People do not generally keep these fish in aquariums or farms very frequently. [4] Its color depends on the area where it is taken, but it generally is darker than brown or yellow bullheads. Most wildlife agencies have no creel limit for bullheads, and when creel limits do exist, they’re typically very generous. It does not taste the way catfish should taste. Leppakoski, Erkki. Black bullheads usually weigh less than 400 grams. Black bullhead seemed to eat … Hell I will eat … It is not recommended to give baby catfish pellets until they are at least a year old. But hands down, night crawlers are the top go-to bait. Are Brown Bullhead Catfish good to eat? There is the black bullhead, the yellow, and the brown. They live in a variety of habitats including brackish and/or low oxygenated ponds rivers and lakes. It is common for them to reach about 254-318 mm (6-10 in) long, but they have been recorded as big as 457 mm (18 in). I've researched this question thoroughly, and I seem to come across many contradictions. 1 decade ago. Black bullhead are omnivores, feeding extensively on insects and their larvae, small crayfish, worms, small mollusks, crustaceans, and a host of other animals and plants. Fun Facts. Yepper, bullheads, eaten a bunch of them out of good water or clear water, large reservoirs, not too much if any out of muddy farm ponds. Three species of bullhead catfishes occur in Oklahoma and Texas: black bullhead, yellow bullhead, and brown bullhead. A small species of catfish. At the base of their pectoral and dorsal fins are spines, which they can use as spurs to cut predators.[8]. Instead, they bury themselves around the shore line of the lake in debris, with only their gills exposed. Like most catfish, they are most active at night, and tend to be less active during the day, bedding under piers or in shady shore areas. Black Bullhead, Bullheads (and catfish) from Brewster Pond in Stratford should not be eaten. Bullhead Care. Plus, it isn’t good catfish. Feel free to contact us about your order at any time and be sure to stop by our Flagship Store located at 18 Washington Street in Gloucester, MA. This from BioKids: Young black bullheads may fall … Black bullhead, a catfish, is scaleless, has an adipose fin, 8 barbels (those under the chin are black), and a slight notch on the rear margin of the tail.

Simply attach food or live bait to a hook and sinker then allow it to sink at the bottom of the water. Tail is squared rather than forked or rounded. The black bullheads feed on a wide variety of food, primarily aquatic insects but will eat almost anything edible that is available. Welcome to Fisherman's Outfitter. Fishes of the Minnesota region. Black bullheads have dark chin barbells (whiskers), are dark on top, and usually have a pale belly with a vertical bar at the caudal fin base. Reply: “Sounds like a yellow bullhead. The brown bullhead is also typically mottled brown and green on top instead of the darker black. This small fleshy fin lacks any hard, internal structures such as bone or cartilage. When we are talking about finding the fish, we need to remember that there are a few different species with a few different behaviors. Mainly get any of the yellow fat off of them. Common Names: Black bullhead (A. melas), Brown bullhead (A. nebulosus), Yellow bullhead (A. natalis) World Record: 8 lbs 0 oz. Bullhead do not need plants Yellow Bullhead . If you have fileted any bass, trout, catfish, or walleye lately, the scraps you have left over can make for great bullhead bait. Black Bullhead Catfish is small, a max of 6 pounds. Anglers can catch mud cats using a variety of live baits, including bluegill, common carp, bullhead … The tail of the black bullhead has a light bar along the base. Its caudal fin is truncated (squared off at the corners). In a pinch, a bullhead catfish will even eat sewage. That said, in clean water, meat quality is very good, and unlike channel catfish, black bullheads reproduce and indefinitely maintain healthy populations without restocking in ponds populated with bass and crappie. Black Bullhead live in a variety of habitats but generally are found in slow-moving rivers and ponds with murky water and mud bottoms. It prevents overcrowding and keeps the average fish size higher. Since OP is living in New Jersey, there should be two bullhead species, the brown bullhead and the black bullhead. Look up “eating bullhead catfish”. 15lbs plus. Bullhead Catfish Details. Kluwer Academic Publishers. It feels much like your ear lobe. Chicken liver is known to be one of the more effective baits, so give it a shot next time you are going after bullhead. After a few weeks, they are ready to eat fresh brine shrimp and other softer foods. Filet them and deep fry them using a corn meal batter. This can cause the fish to have a meat that requires seasoning as it has a distinct taste. Brown bullhead. Bullheads have a rounded tail which will help you distinguish them from small channel catfish that have a forked tail. Is Bullhead Catfish any good to eat? That being said a 75 gallon tank would be the best fit a bullhead. Deep water or shallow water are both home to these catfish. It is a bottom-rover fish, meaning it is well-adapted for bottom living. They have been introduced in many areas of the US because of their ability to survive (and even thrive) in less than ideal conditions, but they are seldom used in active stocking programs due to their relatively low desirability. According to some of the stuff I googled up, bullheads arent at the top of the list for good eating catfish. That helps maintain a balance of fish species. The Netherlands. They have sweet-flavored meat. We will respond as quickly as possible. Catfish are nocturnal, so they tend to wake up … IMO a 125gal is prefect tank to house a mature bullhead, but a 50-75gal should be good growouts for young bullheads, they grows big quite quickly in first year. I've researched this question thoroughly, and I seem to come across many contradictions. Black bullheads can be caught using similar techniques as for channel or blue catfish, although their small size may require smaller bait and hooks. Three species of bullhead catfishes occur in Oklahoma and Texas: black bullhead, yellow bullhead, and brown bullhead. Black bullhead, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead. The scientific name of the black bullhead is Ameiurus melas and its capable of living in waters that lave low-oxygen levels, turbid, very warm or brackish. One of the prominent catfish species that contends with the regular catfish is the bullhead catfish. (Black bullhead) Last Modified By: hammerdoc on 09/26/08 11:53 AM Ask about Bullhead Catfish in … [3] Like virtually all catfish, it is nocturnal, preferring to feed at night, although young feed during the day. Because bullhead catfish are easy to catch, new anglers can enjoy plenty of fast action with an edible payoff – often right from shore. Black Bullhead. [6], They are omnivorous, so eat almost anything, from grains and other plant matter to insects, dead or living fish, and crustaceans. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. It can be identified from other bullheads as the barbels are black, and it has a tan crescent around the tail. The brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) is a medium-sized catfish. Best Fishing Spots – A Simple Bullhead Where And When. There are 17 to 20 rays in the anal fin. Occasionally they approach 1 kg (2.2 lbs). These fish are nocturnal omnivorous feeders and will eat almost anything, from grains and algae to insects, dead or living fish and crustaceans. The most common answer is that if they come from clean cool water they are very good, as good as any other catfish.