White bullhead
The white bullhead (Ameiurus catus), also known as the white catfish, is a member of the family Ictaluridae of the order Siluriformes.
| White bullhead | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Ictaluridae |
| Genus: | Ameiurus |
| Species: | A. catus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ameiurus catus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Distribution
Originally native to the coastal river systems of the Eastern United States, the catfish spread to other parts of the U.S.
Description
Ameiurus catus has a head with eight barbels, two nasal, two maxillary and four chin. It is scaleless. It has a spine on the anterior edge of its dorsal and pectoral fins. It usually has six dorsal soft rays. It does not have palatine teeth. It typically weighs between 0.5 and 2.0 pounds (0.23 and 0.91 kg), however, it is possible to attain weights upwards of 10 pounds (4.5kg).
Habitat
Ameiurus catus is found throughout the U.S. It prefers sluggish, mud-bottom pools and backwaters of rivers and streams, and does well in lakes and large impediments.[2]
Behavior
Feeding
White catfish feed mostly on the bottom, where they eat other fish and aquatic insects. They feed most actively at dusk and through the night[3] mostly on bottom-dwelling insects, worms, amphipods, and other small invertebrates.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs from April to July when the water temperature ranges between 65 and 75 °F. A gelatinous mass of eggs is deposited in a cavity created by hollow logs or undercut banks. The male guards the nest and incubates the eggs by continually fanning fresh water over them.[2]
See also
- Bullhead catfish (general)
References