Come identificare Brown Bullhead

Per identificare Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically dark brown to olive-green, often mottled with black or dark brown spots. Sides are lighter, fading to a yellowish or whitish belly. The fins are usually dark, sometimes with lighter margins. Coloration can vary significantly based on habitat and water clarity.

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 (not deeply forked) caudal fin, Pectoral and dorsal fins each possess a sharp, serrated spine

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin with 1 spine and 5-7 soft rays, followed by an adipose fin.

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin slightly emarginate to nearly square, not deeply forked.

Pinna pettorale

Pectoral fins 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

   Barbels

   Presence of eight barbels around the mouth is a key catfish characteristic. The barbels are typically dark, matching the body color.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin Shape

   The caudal fin is slightly emarginate (not deeply forked), distinguishing it from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) which have deeply forked tails.

3. 3

   Pectoral Spines

   The pectoral fins have sharp, serrated spines that can be locked into an erect position. These spines are a defensive mechanism.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Mottled brown to olive-green body, often with darker blotches, and a lighter belly. Color can vary significantly with habitat.

5. 5

   Anal Fin Ray Count

   Counting the rays in the anal fin (17-24) can help differentiate it from other bullhead species, though this requires close examination.

Esplora Brown Bullhead