Ameiurus natalis

(Lesueur, 1819)

Vernacular names

English : Yellow bullhead
French : Barbotte jaune

Classification

Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Ictaluridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach a maximum length of 60 cm for a weight of 1.9 kg. Torpedo-shaped body, dorsally flattened. Broad head with relatively short but thick barbels. Coloration dark gray on back and flanks, yellow on belly.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in North America, in the south-eastern and eastern drainages and river basins of Canada and USA. Lives in slow-moving and sluggish waters, mostly over soft substrate.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and is very common in the wild. Some populations are increasing. Considered as a pest where introduced.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation