Black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) is a freshwater species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of ≥ 10 m.
Scientific name: Ameiurus melas · Water: Freshwater
Size: up to 66 cm
The black bullhead is a demersal ictalurid whose adults inhabit pools, backwaters and sluggish current over soft substrates in creeks and small to large rivers, as well as impoundments, oxbows and ponds. It is recorded from 10 m downwards, and no maximum depth is recorded for it. It is a nocturnal feeder, with the young consuming immature insects, leeches and crustaceans while adults also take clams, snails, plant material and fishes. It is edible and is considered a nuisance, and where it is abundant it is readily caught on baited lines intended for other species; it is often misidentified as Ameiurus nebulosus. Maximum length is about 66 cm total length, commonly about 26.6 cm, and it can live ten years. It is a commercial species, a commercial aquaculture species and a gamefish. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 50 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
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