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Ameiurus serracanthus (Yerger & Relyea, 1968)

Image contributors to this species:

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

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

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". Etymology: The specific name serracanthus: serra (L.), saw; acanthus (L.), from ákantha, thorn or spine, referring to its strongly serrated pectoral spine. 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.

Common Name:

Spotted Bullhead

Synonyms:

Ictalurus serracanthus

Family:

Ictaluridae

Distribution:

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.

Size:

25.0cm. (10ins).

Temp:

15-30°C (57-87°F)

p.H.

6.0-8.0.

IUCN Red List

This species is listed as Least Concern in view of the fairly large range extent and because it is probably not declining fast enough to qualify for any of the threatened categories. (needs updating IUCN 2013).

Reference:

Knopf, The Audubon Society Field guide to North America Fishes, Whales & Dolphins, 1986.
NatureServe. 2013. Ameiurus platycephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.
North American Native Fishes Association.
The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.

Family: Ictaluridae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Ameiurus serracanthus

Ameiurus serracanthus

Ameiurus serracanthus
Suwannee River

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