Speckled Catfish
Most catfish that have spots on them are often referred to as speckled catfish by people. Sometimes, these are the spotted bullhead catfish. Most often, they are Channel catfish, which are known for being identified by the spots that they have on their sides. Common aquarium catfish that are known as speckled catfish are salt and pepper catfish. Unfortunately, this name has become a common term to call any catfish that has spots. Being able to identify which type of catfish the speckled cat remains important.
Wild Caught
If the fish has been wild-caught, this instantly eliminates most of the catfish that will be referred to as speckled catfish. Often, a person will not catch a salt and pepper catfish in the wild as these are extremely small. This means that the catfish is more than likely a channel cat or a bullhead cat.
Location
Remember location when attempting to identify what has been referred to as a speckled catfish. This can make identifying the catfish easier than anything else. If the primary fish in the area is a Channel catfish, fishermen can usually trust that they have a Channel cat. The same applies to spotted bullhead catfish.
Likewise, smaller fish species that are referred to as speckled catfish are often only found in the Southern Hemisphere because they are tropical fish. These are usually a type of Corydoras Catfish.
Image Search
If still unable to determine what type of catfish the speckled catfish is, try an image search. Simply take a picture of the catfish and conduct an image search. Often, this can be the easiest, and quickest way to identify a catfish.
Tail
One key way to distinguish the difference between bullhead and channel cat is to look at the tail. A bullhead cat often has a rounded tail while a channel catfish has a tail that is obviously forked. A quick glance at the back of the catfish may be able to help you identify a speckled catfish.
Size/Age
Spots are commonly seen in younger, juvenile channel catfish, and tend to slowly fade away when they become older. This is not a definite way to determine the identity of a speckled catfish, but if the fisherman already suspects that it is not a channel, and the fish is obviously an adult, this can help them determine the species of cat that it is by ruling out a channel.
Color
The color can be one way to determine whether this is a standard bullhead catfish or is not. A bullhead catfish will likely have a yellow belly and may be brown or black in color. A channel catfish, on the other hand, will likely have a belly that fades to a whitish color. It is important to consider the color of the belly when looking at catfish. Some channel cats are known to appear a blackish color as bullheads can.
Speckled catfish are not a species of their own. Instead, this is a common term used to refer to fish that have spots on them. Often, when one is referring to a catfish caught in the wild, this is bullhead or channel catfish.
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