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

Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) - Introduced

Black bullhead.

The black bullhead looks very similar to a brown bullhead except that it has weaker serrations on the rear edge of its pectoral spines (8-inch specimen pictured). Robert J. Eakins photo.

Identification. Similar to brown bullhead. Tail fin slightly rounded. Anal rays 17-21. Serrations on posterior edge of pectoral spines weak or absent. Similar in color to brown bullhead, but less often mottled. Sometimes has a light vertical band on caudal peduncle at base of tail fin rays. Membrane between fin rays dark, causing fins to have a striped appearance.

Size. Commonly 8 to 12 inches. State survey max. size 13 inches. Max. reported size 25 inches. World Record 8 pounds.

Distribution. Native to the Central United States and southern Canada, and have been introduced elsewhere. Only reported from a couple of sites in western Connecticut (most notably Candlewood Lake).

Black bullhead distribution map.

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

Habits. Habits and preferences are very similar to those of the brown bullhead.

Comments. Black bullheads are very difficult to distinguish from brown bullheads. It is unclear whether the few individuals reported in Connecticut represent self-sustaining populations.

 

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.