So I was planning to get a spotted bullhead for my tank, although my question is, are they as aggressive as their cousins? I kept a native fish tank, common shiners,chubs, and perches. I introduced two black bullheads into the tank. All the fishes in the tank were around 8-9 inches. And the two black bullheads ended up killing all my fishes in the tank. And I dont want another mass killing spree. So anyone with experience on bullheads, I would really love your advice. Thank you for your time.
Spotted Bullhead
- Thread starter Fishowner
- Start date
Since i'm planning to get them small like 4 inches, do you think they be any real threat?
At that size they may or may not get along with shiners and such,if u want a more peaceful native catfish go with one of the madtom species.
I think their alleged aggression is a function of the tank size. It decreases exponentially in larger tanks. There are exceptions but I think this is the rule.
IME, I've never had any problems with the bullheads I've kept - southern brown and northern brown.
I am guessing your tank was smallish or you drew a short stick.
IME, I've never had any problems with the bullheads I've kept - southern brown and northern brown.
I am guessing your tank was smallish or you drew a short stick.
If I was going to get a madtom, and i know that madtoms are generally very small. Is there any of the madtom family that range to a bigger scale? I read that stonecats could get 12inches, but that's really hard to believe. Is there any that average to at least hand size, I dont want 4 inch madtoms, they wouldn't fit my tank criteria. Although I do agree that madtoms looks pretty cool.
Mine isn't aggressive at all, but it does annoy its tank mates by regularly "feeling them up" with its whiskers. Mine has grown to about 12" now. 
I think tank size makes a huge difference in what you see from bullheads. Contrary to an earlier post yellow bullheads have given be the most trouble. They have a tendency to be fin nippers once the lights go. They are also more protective over their hides than the blacks or browns that I have kept. You also mentioned stonecats as an option and I don't think it is a bad one. It is not uncommon at all to see them as long as your hand or more. Although, depending on where you are located, it may take a little more work to find one. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.