The catfish is a unique fish species; it exists in many parts of the world which is one of the reasons you can find so many catfish species. One of the prominent catfish species that contends with the regular catfish is the bullhead catfish. The presence of so many catfish species can be attributed to their reproductive patterns which make it possible for so many catfish to survive after hatching and interbreed. Catfish species can exist together in the rivers as well as saltwater bodies such as the oceans. There have also been reports of catfish adopting some of the features of other fish species with the traits of a catfish being dominant.
In this post, I will be writing about the bullhead catfish and how it stands out from the other regular freshwater catfish species we can find easily in the market. The bullhead is remarkably smaller than the other catfish species, the shape of its head is remarkably different; hence the name that has been given to the fish.
Catfish vs Bullhead
Physical Features
The bullhead has a characteristic smaller but rounded head which is flat and shrouded with long barbells which help it locate food in the water. The bullhead also has sharp spines that can be used as a defensive tool when it feels threatened by other predators. It swims very fast, and the overly active barbells make it easy to detect live bait on the fishing hook. This is why catching bullhead catfish can be quick when you have accurately located where they are hiding in the water.
Also, you can easily identify bullhead from the markings on its body; they have a yellowish underbelly and dark brown backs. The bullheads also have no scales, unlike some other catfish species. This makes them very slippery.
Feeding Patterns
Bullheads eat aquatic plants and other living organisms such as insects, worms, smaller fish and larvae. The bullheads have a similar diet with regular catfish. However, they are less carnivorous. This may be the reason the bullheads are smaller than the regular channel catfish species we know.
The bullheads are usually found hiding in the cover of murky waters. They are bottom feeders and may only swim to areas close to the surface when they need to bite your lure. However, anglers cast their fishing lines to lower depths in search of bullheads.
Spawning Behavior
Catfish and bullheads spawn at about the same time every year. However, there are some differences in spawning behavior. The male catfish creates holes in the river embankment or around brush piles where its eggs are laid and hatched. However, the bullhead would rather lay spawn at the bottom of the river, in the murky waters which can provide a hiding place for the fry after hatching.
The similarities in the feeding pattern between catfish and bullheads make it easy for anglers to choose the right bait when they go catfishing. It is essential to use bait that will attract the fish to take bites. Bullheads are notably more sensitive to bait because of their bodies which are not covered in scales.
Generally, both fish are delicious; hence they are a favorite catch and sought by anglers in many parts of the world.
Related:
