Spotted bullhead

The spotted bullhead (Ameiurus serracanthus) is a species of bullhead catfish endemic to the Southeastern United States.

Description

The spotted bullhead is the smallest of the bullhead catfish, with its maximum length being only 9 inches (23 cm). The spotted bullhead is one of the more striking members of the bullhead family, with its yellow or cream colored spots being its most distinguishing feature. It is a member of a group of bullhead species having a black blotch at the base of the dorsal fin and a relatively large eye. The spotted catfish has a strongly serrated pectoral spine which has 6 to 20 large serrae. All the fins are edged in black, and the caudal fin is moderately emarginate.

Distribution

The spotted bullhead has confirmed records spanning Florida's northwest, northern, central and eastern Alabama, and northern and western Georgia.

Habitat

The spotted bullhead is a freshwater demersal fish, known to inhabit mainstem and large tributaries. It inhabits rocky or sandy substrates with moderate currents and is particularly fond of deep holes in the river systems. The spotted bullhead has been occasionally spotted over mud near vegetation, stumps and impounded por