Mailing Address:
2045 Morse Road,
Building C-3
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
(614) 265-6561

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Division of Natural Areas and Preserves,
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Yellow Bullhead Catfish

Yellow Bullhead (Ameirus natalis)

A resident of shallow bays, weedy glacial lakes, oxbows, and low gradient streams characterized by clear waters, submersed aquatic vegetation, and clean substrates, the yellow bullhead was historically the most numerous of the three species of bullheads found in Ohio.

The largest populations were found in the western basin of Lake Erie and its associated tributaries, the old canal lakes such as Buckeye and Indian lakes, and in the lower gradient streams of western and northeastern Ohio.

Populations have declined statewide over the last 50 years in response to increasing water turbidities, siltation of stream substrates, and habitat destruction. As a consequence the yellow bullhead is now less numerous than the black bullhead which favors turbid waters and silted bottom conditions.