Catfish vs. Bullhead — What's the Difference?

A diverse group of fish with whisker-like barbels.

A specific type of small catfish.

Can grow to large sizes.

Typically small and stout-bodied.

Known for their commercial and recreational value.

Recognized by their blunt heads.

Bottom-dwelling and omnivorous.

Prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters.

Found in various habitats worldwide.

Any of several stocky North American freshwater catfishes of the genus Ameiurus, having a tail that is not forked.

Catfish (or catfishes; order Siluriformes or Nematognathi) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the three largest species alive, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia, the wels catfish of Eurasia, and the piraíba of South America, to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the Candiru, Vandellia cirrhosa.

Any of several sculpins, especially the miller's thumb.

A freshwater or marine fish with barbels resembling whiskers round the mouth, typically bottom-dwelling.

(North America) any of a variety of related species of generally dark-colored catfish in the family Ictaluridae.

Another term for wolf fish

(North America) The black bullhead, Ameiurus melas.

Fish for catfish

(North America) The brown bullhead, Ameiurus nebulosus.

Lure (someone) into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona

(North America) The yellow bullhead, Ameiurus natalis.

Any of numerous scaleless, chiefly freshwater fishes of the order Siluriformes, characteristically having whiskerlike barbels extending from the upper jaw. Also called regionally mud cat.

(Europe, Asia) Any of various sculpins of the suborder Scorpaenoidei

Any fish of the order Siluriformes, mainly found in fresh water, lacking scales, and having barbels like whiskers around the mouth.

(Europe, Asia) The European bullhead, Cottus gobio.

The meat of such a fish, popular in the Southern U.S. and Central Europe.

(New Zealand) A fish of species Gobiomorphus gobioides.

(internet) Someone who creates a fake profile on a social media platform in order to deceive people.

A bullhead shark (Heterodontus spp.).

(internet) Such a fake profile.

(rare) An obstinate person.

To fish for catfish.

(rail transport) A bullhead rail.

To create and operate a fake online profile to deceive (someone).

(horology) A chronograph (watch or stopwatch) with two push buttons arranged like the horns of a bull on the top end of the case, typically with the crown between them.

A name given in the United States to various species of siluroid fishes; as, the yellow cat (Amiurus natalis); the bind cat (Gronias nigrilabrus); the mud cat (Pilodictic oilwaris), the stone cat (Noturus flavus); the sea cat (Arius felis), etc. This name is also sometimes applied to the wolf fish. See Bullhrad.

A fresh-water fish of many species, of the genus Uranidea, esp. Uranidea gobio of Europe, and Uranidea Richardsoni of the United States; - called also miller's thumb.

Flesh of scaleless food fish of the southern United States; often farmed

The black-bellied plover (Squatarola helvetica); - called also beetlehead.

Large ferocious northern deep-sea food fishes with strong teeth and no pelvic fins

A stupid fellow; a lubber.

Any of numerous mostly freshwater bottom-living fishes of Eurasia and North America with barbels like whiskers around the mouth

A small black water insect.

Freshwater sculpin with a large flattened bony-plated head with hornlike spines

Any of several common freshwater catfishes of the United States

More adaptable to different water conditions.

Catfish are a diverse group of fish known for their whisker-like barbels around their mouths.

Yes, all bullheads are a type of catfish within the genus Ameiurus.

Bullheads are typically small, usually not exceeding 2 pounds.

Bullheads have a similar diet to other catfish, consuming plants, insects, and small aquatic creatures.

Yes, catfish farming is a significant industry, especially in the southern United States.

Yes, catfish are known for their distinctive barbels around the mouth, resembling whiskers.

Yes, some catfish species can grow very large, with some reaching over 600 pounds.

Bullheads are primarily found in North America, in slow-moving or stagnant waters like ponds and lakes.

Bullheads are generally considered less desirable for eating compared to larger catfish species.

While both have barbels, bullheads have a more rounded head and robust body compared to the more varied shapes of catfish.

Bullheads are a specific genus of small catfish, characterized by their blunt heads and stout bodies.

Catfish are omnivorous, feeding on plant matter, insects, and small fish.

Catfish are found worldwide in various habitats, from freshwater rivers to some marine environments.

Yes, bullheads are quite adaptable and can survive in turbid and lower-oxygen environments.

Catfish are more diverse, encompassing many species with varied sizes and habitats, whereas bullheads are a specific, less varied genus.