Come identificare Black Bullhead

Per identificare Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

rounded

Colorazione

Typically dark olive to black on the back and sides, fading to a lighter grey or yellowish-white on the belly. Some individuals may exhibit mottled patterns. Juveniles are often darker.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Eight barbels around the mouth (four on the chin, two maxillary, two nasal), Smooth, scaleless skin, Adipose fin present, Slightly emarginate (notched) caudal fin, Pectoral and dorsal fins possess sharp, serrated spines

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 5-7 soft rays.

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin is slightly emarginate (notched) to nearly straight, not deeply forked.

Pinna pettorale

Pectoral fins each with a strong, serrated spine and 6-9 soft rays.

Pinne distintive

Adipose fin is small and fleshy, located between the dorsal and caudal fins. Anal fin is long with 17-24 rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the dark, often blackish or olive-brown body, which is generally darker than other bullhead species.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Count the eight barbels around the mouth. The chin barbels are typically dark, matching the body color, which helps distinguish it from the Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) which has white or pale chin barbels.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   Observe the caudal (tail) fin. It is slightly emarginate (notched) to almost straight, not deeply forked like channel catfish or flathead catfish.

4. 4

   Pectoral Spines

   Carefully examine the pectoral fin spines. They are sharply serrated along their posterior edge, a key distinguishing feature from some other catfish species.

5. 5

   Anal Fin Rays

   Count the rays in the anal fin. Black Bullheads typically have 17-24 anal fin rays, which can help differentiate them from other bullhead species (e.g., Yellow Bullhead has 20-27, Brown Bullhead has 21-24).

Esplora Black Bullhead