Scientific Name
Ameiurus melas

Common Name
Black bullhead

Biology
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).

Classification

Classified By

Rafinesque, 1820

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

North American freshwater catfishes (Ictaluridae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

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.

Range

52°N - 26°N

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

8 °C

Water Temperature To

30 °C

Depth From - meters

10 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 25 demersal; amphidromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 10 - ? m

Trophic Level

3.73 s.e. 0.64 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

66.0 cm

Common Length

26.6 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5078 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

Moderate to high vulnerability (50 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tmax=10; Assuming tm=3)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated