Skip to main content

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Wild About Illinois Fishes!

Family Ictaluridae - Bullhead Catfish Family

Family: Ictaluridae - These fishes have 4 pairs of barbels around the mouth, no scales, an adipose fin, strong spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins and abdominal pelvic fins. The catfishes are active mainly at night.
     white catfish (Ameiurus catus) [nonnative]
     black bullhead (Ameiurus melas)
     yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis)
     brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus)
     blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
     channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
     mountain madtom (Noturus eleutherus)
     slender madtom (Noturus exilis)
     stonecat (Noturus flavus)
     tadpole madtom (Noturus gyrinus)
     brindled madtom (Noturus miurus)
     freckled madtom (Noturus nocturnus)
     flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
     northern madtom (Noturus stigmosus) [state endangered, possibly extirpated]