Caring for Bull Catfish
Bull, or bullhead catfish, is a medium to large catfish, large enough to be considered monster fish, but not so large that it can't be handled. Ranging in size from about 11 inches to 25 inches, bull catfish are popular as aquarium pets. Bullheads are easy to catch with a basic hook, line and a worm. If you plan to keep a bull catfish as a pet, use a barbless hook so you don’t damage his mouth.
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Things You'll Need
- 50-gallon fish tank
- Fresh water
- Fish tank thermometer
- Tank aerator
- Floating plants
- Driftwood
- Pea gravel
- River rock
- Fish food
Instructions
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Provide your fish with a tank appropriate for his size. Most catfish are at least 1 foot in length, so a 50-gallon tank is recommended. Larger fish need an even larger tank.
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Fill the tank with clean water, preferably from the location where your fish was caught.
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Keep water temperature in the tank below 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as catfish prefer more temperate conditions.
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Provide dim lighting for your catfish because they are naturally nocturnal.
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Add lots of floating plants, caves and driftwood to their tanks to provide cover and darkness.
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Place plenty of smooth gravel on the bottom of the tank, where they spend most of their time. Small pea gravel and river rock work well.
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Feed your catfish a varied diet. The bullhead is not picky and will eat almost anything. Offer him bloodworms, algae wafers, shrimp pellets, cucumber or fish eggs.
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Provide your catfish with tank mates, but remember that catfish eat almost anything. Larger fish such as sunfish, cyprinids or perch make excellent choices for tank mates as they can defend themselves. Other catfish may fight for territory.
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Change the water in the tank regularly, about once a month or more often if required.
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Tips & Warnings
Train your bullhead catfish to come to the surface to feed. They will eat whatever you give them, and some can be trained to eat directly from your hand.
Bull catfish eat anything they can fit in their mouths. Avoid placing smaller fish in the tank with them, unless you intend for them to be eaten.
Bullheads can pierce human skin and are mildly venomous. Use care when handling them.
Check local laws before catching and confining a bullhead catfish; regulations may exist against owning wild fish in your area.
