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Black bullhead
Schwarzer Zwergwels
Scientific name: Ameiurus melas
IntroducedFreshwater
Behavior
Prefers slow-flowing or still waters with soft substrate. Nocturnal; juveniles eat insects and leeches, adults also eat fish and plants.
Features
Similar to the brown bullhead; the key distinguishing feature is black barbel bases. The pectoral fin spine also lacks serration or is only weakly serrated, and the anal fin membrane shows dark pigmentation. Up to 40 cm and 2 kg.
Distribution
Native to North America. In Germany established mainly in the Elbe and Oder systems, considered an invasive species.