| Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfishes) |
| 66 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,620.0 g; max. reported age: 10 years |
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demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 8; dH range: 4 - 25; depth range - 10 m, amphidromous |
| 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 (Ref. 1739). In Europe, self-sustaining populations recorded from Ebro and Tagus drainages (Iberian Peninsula), most drainages of France, locally in Italy, the Netherlands and Germany; distribution could be wider (Ref. 59043) |
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| 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 (Ref. 1998, 9669, 10294). Edible (Ref. 1998). Are susceptible of being caught, where they are abundant, with baited lines intended for other species. Is considered a nuisance (Ref. 30578). Often misidentified as A. nebulosus (Ref. 59043). |
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Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 October 2011 Ref. (130435)
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| potential pest |
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First recorded capture in 1997 from Ier Valley and later found in Barcãu River. In 1980 the black bullhead was reported to be imported into some Hungarian fisheries from Italy and probably it was there that it escaped and reached the basin of the Criş river and then spread into Romanian waters. Besides the rivers Ier and Barcãu, the species can very probably be found in the water of the three Criş rivers
(Ref. 119048). Four individuals of black bullhead were caught in Somes river (Transylvania region) in 2018 by Tudor Papuc and a few were caught by local sports fishermen. There have been frequent reports and sightings in the Danube and other rivers from Romania; and is also present in some ponds and lakes (T. Papuc, pers.comm. 11/2018). |
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