Citation: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Alosa_pseudoharengus/pictures/collectio ns/contributors/Grzimek_fish/Clupeiformes/Alosa_psudoharengus/ Title: Freshwater
Species #:05
Common Name: Black Bullhead Scientific Name: Ameriurus Mealas Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Ictaluridae
Geography / Habitat: Black bullheads occupy most freshwater habitats, from small farm ponds to large lakes. They can inhabit many waters that are otherwise unsuitable for other fishes. They can tolerate poorly oxygenated, polluted, turbid, and high temperature waters. It can be found as far south as northern Mexico, and the distribution excludes all but the panhandle of Florida. Introduced populations occur in parts of California and Nevada.
Life Strategy: Black bullheads have an average lifespan of five years in the wild and a slightly higher lifespan in captivity. The oldest found are around ten years. They are easily kept in aquariums and adapt well. If the proper space and living conditions are met, many find the these fish thrive well in captivity.
Food / Feed Strategy: Young black bullheads usually thrive on ostracods, amphipods, copepods, and insects and their larva. Young feed primarly in schooling patterns during midday. Adults tend to be nocturnal, and feed on a wide variety of invertebrates. Midge larvae and other young insects are the primary diet for adult bullheads. Black bullheads have been known to eat small fish and fish eggs as well.
Body Form or Style: Compressifrom Swim / Locomotion Style: Carangifrom Mouth Position: Terminal