Flat Bullhead

The flat bullhead is native to the southeastern United States where it is found in the lower parts of the drainages of the North American Atlantic Slope. Its range extends from the upper parts of the James River and the Roanoke River in Virginia, to the Altamaha River in Georgia. Its occurrence is widespread, it being present in all the drainages of South Carolina, for example. Its typical habitat is slow-moving, quiet stretches of rivers over mud or sandy bottoms, or over rock when it is covered with organic debris. It also occurs in lakes, ponds and behind dams, and younger individuals favour clear streams.

This fish feeds on aquatic insects, molluscs, and small fish, with vegetation and detritus also being taken. Females mature when they are three years old. Breeding takes place during the summer, the fecundity of the females being between 200 and 1740 eggs each.