The spotted bullhead is possibly the most beautiful of the bullhead species. It is a striking fish with white or light gray spots. The dorsal fin is heavily serrated, and the edges of the fins are black. Spotted Bullheads can be found in small rivers of the Florida panhandle and extreme southern Alabama and Georgia. Identification of this fish is easy; it is the only North American catfish with light round spots on a dark body.
Other names: Spotted Catfish, Calico Catfish, Snail Cat.
Barbels and Spiny Fins: All bullheads have eight barbels around the mouth - which are used for tasting and smelling the water. The barbels are harmless. However, bullheads also have three sharp spines one at the front of each pectoral and the dorsal fin. Watch out for those spines! The spines can deliver a painful sting - they are coated in an irritant toxin that can cause pain and swelling around the wound. Immersing the wound in water that is as hot as the wounded person can tolerate will detoxify the irritant and relieve the pain.