Brought to you by Santiam Valley Ranch, P. O. Box 613, Turner, OR   97392
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Bullhead Catfish, Yellow -- Ictalurus natalis

Bullhead Catfish, Brown -- Ictalurus nebulosus

Bullhead Catfish, Black – Ictalurus nelas  

History:  Both yellow and brown bullheads were introduced into Oregon.  Yellow bullheads are abundant in the Willamette Valley; brown bullheads are now common throughout the State.

Physiology:  Bullhead catfish are members of the Ictaluridae Family of catfish.  Yellow bullheads have mental barbels that are usually white; anal rays number 24-27.  The mental barbells on brown bullheads are usually light colored at the base, graduating to gray or black at the tips; anal rays number 17-24.  The lower sides are generally clouded or mottled in color.

Habitat:  Bullheads feed on insect larvae on or in the pond bottom. 

Reproduction:  Like channel catfish, bullheads prefer holes to spawn in.  Baby bullheads are shepherd about in a dense crowd by one or both parents for the first couple of weeks after birth.

Growth:  Yellow bullheads grow to 16" or more; brown bullheads reach up to 18" in length.

Special Considerations:  Too many bullheads can cause a pond to become roiled (muddy) because the fish continually stir up mud while searching for food.  On the positive side, a high density of bullheads will reduce aquatic weeds by reducing light penetration. Bullhead have the reputation for patching holes in leaky ponds.