Horned pout, also known as "brown bullhead," is a freshwater fish species belonging to the catfish family, Ictaluridae, and native to North America. Measuring around 12 to 16 inches in length, it possesses distinctive characteristics that distinguish it from other catfish species.
The horned pout is usually brown or dark in color, with a flat and broad head. The term "horned" refers to the presence of sharp spines or "horns" on its pectoral fins. It has a stout body covered in smooth, scaleless skin, and the lateral line is sometimes barely visible.
These fish are typically bottom-dwellers, found in slow-moving or stagnant waters, such as ponds, swamps, and rivers with soft bottoms. Horned pouts are opportunistic carnivores, predominantly feeding on insects, crayfish, worms, small fish, and plant material. They have taste buds all over their body that aid in their search for prey.
Horned pouts are popular among anglers due to their versatility and availability all year-round. They are known for their tenacious fighting abilities when hooked, making them a desirable catch.
Occasionally utilized for human consumption, horned pout meat is tender, white, and mild in flavor. However, it is not widely sought after as a food fish due to its relatively small size and the presence of numerous small bones.
In summary, horned pout is a species of catfish characterized by its brown color, flat head, and distinctive horn-like spines on its pectoral fins. They inhabit slow-moving waters and feed on various aquatic organisms, making them a popular catch for sport fishing enthusiasts.
