Read the article with FishingTheSpot: the bullhead fish
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See the fishing tripsThe Bullhead fish
All year
20 cm
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The Bullhead fish belongs to the Ictaluridae family. This species generally measures 15 to 20 cm, but can reach a maximum of 45 cm for a weight of 2 kg. It can live up to 6 years. It breeds in May-June and lays up to 5000 eggs. It can be fished all year.
It is a scaleless fish with bare, viscous skin. Its naked body is elongated and has thousands of sensory cells (electro-receptor cells) that are a particular feature of the species. He has a large flattened head, a very wide mouth with large lips and 8 barbels, 6 of which hang, and 2 are located behind the nostrils. Its pectoral fins have sharp spines that are dangerous. Similarly, its first dorsal fin has a sharp sting. It also has a short fat fin (between the dorsal and caudal fins). Its brown back is almost black or greenish brown, its sides lighter, its belly yellowish white.
The Bullhead Fish lifestyle
The Bullhead fish eats everything that is edible of animal or plant origin that other fish do not eat: benthic organisms, larvae, worms, fish eggs, fry and even fish as big as it is that it mutilates by biting their tails. It is an omnivorous and voracious species.
The bullhead reaches sexual maturity around two or three years of age and reproduce only in water at least 18°C.
Breeding takes place in May-June, in shallow water, very close to the shore. The female lays up to 5,000 eggs in a nest prepared by the breeding pair by removing the herbs from the bottom. Male and female then defend access until the fry hatch (incubation lasts ten days) and watch for a few more days. They multiply very quickly. They are not "good parents" but they watch their eggs until they hatch. The fry remains grouped together in a characteristic ball for several weeks.
The Bullhead fish habitat
It can live very long out of the water compared to other fish (up to 3 hours). It can withstand temperatures up to 35-40°C and acclimatizes in dry periods by burrowing into the mud. They live on the bottom in the calm waters of rivers or in ponds, stagnant, turbid and warm waters, lakes and dead branches of rivers.
It can be found everywhere in Western Europe except Scandinavia. Also present in North America as far as Mexico, All over France and Corsica, as well as in Belgium.
The Bullhead fish angling
It is fished by floating line, lead and line. The bait resting at the bottom consists of a medium earthworm or maggot or cut on an 8-hook hook. The bullhead also attacks the live fish in pike lines. Handle this fish carefully, it can cause painful stings.
You can fish bullhead all year round.
