Black Bullhead
Ameiurus melas
Also called bullhead, black bullhead catfish
A small freshwater catfish with a dark, almost black coloration and a squared or slightly notched tail fin. Distinguished from other bullheads by its dark chin barbels and overall darker appearance.
Black Bullhead at a glance
- Scientific name
- Ameiurus melas
- Typical size
- 6-14 inches, 0.5-2 lbs
- Water
- Freshwater
- Habitat
- Freshwater
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Found in lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and streams with muddy or sandy bottoms. Often targeted by anglers using worms, cut bait, or stink baits fished on the bottom, especially during evening hours.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a black bullhead through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksBlack Bullhead questions people ask
Black Bullhead is Ameiurus melas. Anglers also call it bullhead, black bullhead catfish.
A typical black bullhead runs 6-14 inches, 0.5-2 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every black bullhead you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and streams with muddy or sandy bottoms. Often targeted by anglers using worms, cut bait, or stink baits fished on the bottom, especially during evening hours. It is a fresh water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.