Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) - Native

34 cm brown bullhead.

The brown bullhead is Connecticut's only native catfish species (13-inch adult pictured).

Identification. Similar to black and yellow bullheads. Tail fin slightly rounded. Chin barbels dusky to black. Anal rays usually 22-23. Anterior anal rays longer than posterior rays. Serrations on posterior edge of pectoral spines moderate to strong. Typically dark brown, sometimes grayish on back, fading on sides to cream-colored on belly. Dark mottling typically present on sides, but may be difficult to see in fish that are dark overall.

21 cm brown bullhead.

Brown bullheads can be very dark or lighter like this 9-inch specimen.

Size. Commonly 8 to 13 inches. State survey max. size 16.5 inches. Conn. State Record 4.9 pounds, 20 inches. Max. reported size 21.6 inches. World Record 5.7 pounds.

Distribution. Widespread in the United States from the Mississippi drainage to the East Coast. Have also been introduced to areas of the West. Brown bullheads are found throughout Connecticut and may exist in any slow-flowing water body, where they are typically common in abundance.

Brown bullhead distribution map.

All maps created in 2009. See CT DEEP Fish Community Data for updated distributions.

Habits. Prefer quiet waters of lakes and ponds and backwaters of rivers and streams. They feed primarily at night and are typically associated with submerged vegetation and sandy to mud bottoms. They are very tolerant of poor water quality, high temperature and low oxygen conditions. Can readily be taken by angling at night with worms on the bottom.

Comments. The brown bullhead is Connecticut’s most widely distributed and only native catfish species. They are good to eat, but are typically underutilized by anglers because of their nocturnal habits.

Brown bullhead swimming in a tank.

This 3.5-inch juvenile brown bullhead has all the characteristics of an adult.

 

Text and images adapted from Jacobs, R. P., O'Donnell, E. B., and Connecticut DEEP. (2009). A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Hartford, CT. Available for purchase at the DEEP Store.