Skip to content
Explore Pêchedex

FISH GUIDE · Freshwater

Black bullhead: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Ameiurus melas

The catalogue’s black bullhead is Ameiurus melas, a North American species introduced and regulated in Europe. Identifying a catch does not remove the need to check its handling; no live transport or release instruction is proposed.

Catalogue names : Poisson chat. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Native to North America from the Great Lakes to northern Mexico. Introduced to Europe, with established populations in many French drainages and notably the Ebro and Tagus. Older records may be confused with Ameiurus nebulosus and require precise identification.

  • Native range : North America, Great Lakes to northern Mexico
  • Introduction : Metropolitan France
  • Introduction : Ebro and Tagus

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Scaleless skin, a broad head, eight barbels and a small adipose fin characterise Ameiurus melas. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear spines; do not grasp it blindly.

Habitat

Ponds, lakes, backwaters and quiet river sections, including turbid water. Its ecological tolerance does not authorise moving it to another habitat.

Diet

Omnivorous: bottom organisms, larvae, worms, eggs and small fish, as well as plant material.

Behaviour

A bottom fish often active at night. This activity is neither permission for night fishing nor a reason to keep an individual alive for later.

The metropolitan order of 14 February 2018 consulted, in the consolidation displayed for 10 October 2026, subjects live specimens to the restrictions in Article 3, including keeping, transport, use and introduction into the natural environment, subject to regulated authorisations. The practical procedure after capture still requires local confirmation.

Indicative biological size

Generally 15–20 cm according to DORIS; not a legal size limit.

Fishing context and precautions

Ameiurus melas — Prevention after an incidental capture: do not release this fish, transport it alive or use it as bait. Before fishing, establish the procedure and destination specified by the manager or competent authorities. This identification sheet describes neither targeted fishing nor a personal eradication operation.

A distinctive feature

The fry can remain grouped in a compact ball for several weeks.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

More species to discover