Seasonal Diet Composition of Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) in Lake Carl Etling, Oklahoma

Abstract

Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) is the most common of the three species of Ameriurus present in Oklahoma. They range across the state and inhabit any aquatic eco-system. However, little is known about their feeding habits. Food habits of Black Bullheads (95-318 mm total length) collected from June 2015 through May 2016 at Lake Carl Etling revealed a broad range of prey items. The total food volume of the 408 stomachs examined was comprised of sixteen different prey items (5 fish species, 5 crustacean species, 3 species of insects, and 3 plant species). No significant difference was found between seasons. Overall, fish had the highest index of relative importance (IRI; 88.5) with crustaceans having the lowest IRI (2.1), while insects and plants had similar IRI (5.8 and 5.5). Gizzard Shad were found to be the most frequent diet item consumed. Black Bullheads exhibit a mixed feeding strategy with varying degrees of specialization. Fish were most important prey item of Black Bullheads, while bullheads occasionally consumed crustaceans, insects or plants showing a higher between-phenotype component. It appears that Black Bullheads are highly piscivorous in Lake Carl Etling. Due to this finding, consideration of dietoverlap and fish forage availability is critical when fisheries managers are considering management strategies for other top predators or when contemplating the introduction of a new species into an aquatic system containing Black Bullhead.