Norfolk Fishing Network 2004 - 2024 - British Coarse Fish Species A - C

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coarsefish

00 lbs

01oz

00 drams

00 kilos

028 grams

Year 1983

Distribution:UK Status; The Bullhead is widely distributed in England and Wales but in Scotland is only known from the Forth and Clyde catchments. It is less common in the rest of Europe.

Features: The River Bullhead (Cottus gobio) is a common species of fresh-water fish in Britain, which forms a cavity-nest and protects and aerates its eggs. They are brownish in colour with mottling or barring, and pale undersides. During the spawning period males become black in colour with a white-tipped dorsal fin, and females become plump. They have a large mouth, large pectoral fins, prominent eyes and a wide flattened head; hence the common names 'Bullhead' and "Miller's Thumb". They rarely grow to more than 10 cm long. You can see these fish all year round, but most readily seen around dusk.

Habitat: In freshwater streams, rivers and lakes with hard stony substrates and shows a preference for fast flowing, shallow water bodies. The large pectoral fins enable Bullheads to hold their position in fast flowing water.

Spawning:They lay their eggs in March and April, and the male guards the eggs until they hatch (although once they hatch he may eat a few of the youngsters if they come close enough).

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