The black bullhead or black bullhead catfish (Ameiurus melas) is a species of bullhead catfish. Like other bullhead catfish, it has the ability to thrive in waters that are low in oxygen, brackish, turbid, and/or very warm. It also has barbels located near its mouth, a broad head, spiny fins, and no scales. It can be identified from other bullheads as the barbels are black, and it has a tan crescent around the tail. Its caudal fin is truncated (squared off at the corners). Like virtually all catfish, it is nocturnal, preferring to feed at night, although young feed during the day.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Black Bullhead being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Ameiurus nebulosus
- Ameiurus natalis
- Ameiurus catus
- Ameiurus platycephalus
- Ictalurus punctatus
- Ameiurus brunneus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Ictaluridae
- Genus
- Ameiurus
- Species
- Ameiurus melas
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