The Catfish or Bullhead Fish 
burrows deep in the mud in the fall, and remains 
there all winter, and undoubtedly these barbels are 
used in testing his surroundings in thick mud. 
The bullheads build nests beneath logs or other 
protecting objects in shallow water. The nest is 
made by removing stones and gravel from a circular 
area on sandy or gravelly ground. Both parents 
work at removing the pebbles. After the eggs are 
laid, the father watches over and guards the nest, 
and both parents take care of the fry by stirring the 
eggs about so that they will not be smothered in the 
mass. After the young hatch, they are still cared 
for by the parents until they are old enough to take 
care of themselves. Thoreau says ‘‘ The catfish 
spawn in the spring, and old fishes lead the young in 
great schools near the shore, caring for them as a 
hen cares for her chickens.”’ 
CARE 
The bullhead can be kept in almost any kind of an 
aquarium, and does not need to have the water 
changed as often as do most fish; though to make 
the bullhead feel at home there should be fine gravel 
in the bottom of the aquarium, and many water 
plants on which it seems to browse. It may be fed 
with earthworms, tadpoles, and meal worms. Bits 
of raw meat or ground fish food may be given 
occasionally. 
In handling the catfishes, gloves should be worn, 
for the spines of the pectoral fins are capable of 
inflicting a stinging wound. 
REFERENCES 
AmeErRIcAN Foop anp GAME Fisues, Jordan and Everman. 
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