Nutrition

Bullheads are adaptive eaters. They generally eat whatever they can find within their environments. As mentioned in the interactions page, Ameiurus natalis finds most of it's food via chemical sensory organs. Due to their dependence on sensory organs versus sight, water pollution that affects the water clarity has a significant effect on the bullhead's ability to find food. Their senses can erode and they may not find food unless they come in direct content with it, which is a significant disadvantage for feeding (wisc.edu).

 

According to Bullhead Catfish Family, Ictaluridae at wisc.edu Yellow Bullheads have been observed eating crayfish, snails, insect larvae, other fish, and even plant matter among other things.

 

 

Observations have also determined that Yellow Bullheads have more nocturnal feeding habits than other species of bullhead and are able to survive well in bodies of water with low air content (wisc.edu).

Their varied diet and toughness makes the bullhead an ideal fish for muddy ponds and adverse environments; however they do tend to thrive in a specific habitat. Since they are able to have such variability within their diet, food sources can vary greatly between geographical location and type of water body.

Continue to the reproduction page
or
Return to Home