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Garold W. Sneegas (1) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (1) Tim Aldridge (2)

Description: The spotted bullhead is one of the smaller bullheads, the largest recorded specimen measuring 226 mm (about 9 inches). Habitat: It is mainly found in the Apalochicola, Ochlockonee, and Suwannee river systems in Florida, Alabama and Georgia. It is classified as Rare in Florida and Georgia, and of Special Concern in Alabama. It is usually found in larger streams and rivers with moderate current, and shows a preference for rock bottoms. Colouration: It has pale yellow spots with a short anal fin. The caudal fin is shallow and notched. Diet: Snails have been found to be the dominant food type by volume, and another common name for this fish is "snail cat". Remarks: The first thumbnail image was taken in July 1996 by G.W. Sneegas 75 feet underwater in Morrison Spring, Walton County, Florida, in the Choctawhatchee drainage system. This photo represents the first confirmed report of the fish in this drainage system. The last two thumbnail images were taken by Tim Aldridge in the Suwannee River, southern Georgia/northern Florida.

Spotted Bullhead

Ictalurus serracanthus

Ictaluridae

North America: Gulf Coastal Plain in Suwannee, St. Marks, Ochlockonee, Apalachicola and St. Andrews Bay drainages of northern Florida, southern Georgia and southeastern Alabama in the USA.

25.0cm. (10ins).

15-30°C (57-87°F)

6.0-8.0.

Knopf, The Audubon Society Field guide to North America Fishes, Whales & Dolphins, 1986.
North American Native Fishes Association.