Black Bullhead Catfish

Habitat

• Principally found to inhabit freshwater lakes, reservoirs and ponds but can also be found in rivers and streams, brackish and low oxygenated environments.

Description

• Sometimes misidentified as Ameiurus nebulosus, the brown bullhead catfish
• Typically lives for 4-5 years, growing between 25-32cm in length and reaching around 440g in weight
• A. melas has large sharp spines on both dorsal and pectoral fins, making them difficult to swallow
• These spines and their nocturnal feeding pattern, allow them to evade predation from other fish species.

Origin and Worldwide Distribution

• A. melas is native to Canada, the USA and Mexico but is now present in Russia and widespread across Europe

Potential or Known Impacts

• Competes with native biodiversity for food and space
• Reduces native species abundance by consuming both native fish and their eggs
• Recreational fishing facilities may suffer as a result of the black bullhead catfish becoming a nuisance species

Is it found in Northern Ireland?

• It is not currently present in Northern Ireland

How could it get here?

• Historically, introductions have been a result of aquaculture, recreational fishing or for use as an ornamental species
• Within Europe, spread within and between countries is thought to be a result of accidental and illegal introductions alongside natural dispersion via watercourses

Management/Methods for Prevention

• Prevention via enforcing the IAS (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) ensuring A. melas is not introduced to Northern Ireland
• Reporting all sightings so that a Rapid Response can be instigated
• If Rapid Response is not successful, management can include both mechanical and chemical removal methods.

Current Legislative Position (Listed on 02 August 2022)

• This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment. 

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Species Related Files:

RA_Ameiurus_melas_Black_bullhead_catfish