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Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) — Ictaluridae

Snail bullhead

Ameiurus brunneus
Family: Ictaluridae

The Snail bullhead (Ameiurus brunneus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 29 cm.

Length
29 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The snail bullhead is a North American bullhead catfish (Ictaluridae) from clear, flowing rivers of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 29 cm and has a stocky, olive-brown body with a rounded head, four pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches for snails, insect larvae, crustaceans and plant material. The pectoral and dorsal spines are sharp and can prick; otherwise the fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Snail bullhead?

The Snail bullhead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Snail bullhead live?

The Snail bullhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Snail bullhead get?

The Snail bullhead grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.

Is the Snail bullhead dangerous to humans?

No, the Snail bullhead is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slakken-dwergmeerval sourced
English name
Snail bullhead sourced
Scientific name
Ameiurus brunneus
Family
Ictaluridae
Other names
Snail bullhead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
29.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ameiurus

More from the family Ictaluridae

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