Science Name: | Ameiurus natalis |
Other Names: | butter cat, yellow cat, creek cat, white-whiskered bullhead, greaser, polliwog |
Ideal Temp: | 72 to 80 |
World Record: | 4 lbs. 4 ounces, Az. |
Environment: | stream and lake |
Techniques: | bottom fishing, light tackle |
Though scavengers, yellow bullheads prefer to feed on minnows, snails, shrimp and crayfish. They also will feed on insect larvae, vegetation and decaying organic matter. Scent and taste play a vital role in their feeding, most of which is done at night.
The preferred habitat is variable and includes vegetated areas of clear, shallow lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-flowing streams. Yellows are more tolerant of polluted environments than most other members of the catfish family.
During late spring or early summer, yellow bullheads excavate nests in mud bottoms and spawn. Both parents guard the nest, which may contain 2,000 to 12,000 eggs. In four to six days eggs hatch and fry begin to school in compact balls which are guarded by adults until individuals reach about one inch in length. Like black bullheads, the yellow bullhead is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal material, both live and dead. Immature aquatic insects and crustaceans often comprise a considerable proportion of the diet. Although yellow bullheads rarely achieve edible size, some individuals may exceed four pounds.
Yellow bullheads range throughout the central and eastern US from central Texas north into North Dakota and east through the Great Lakes region to the coast.
Tips for Fishing