Pale Ale Bullheads

[Tyler Holm]

Fellas… Went out the other night and caught my first ever batch of bullies. Now I’ve got about 15 perfect sized bullies in a 48qt cooler with a aerator going full time. I’ve been changing the water every other day. These buggers are full of energy and doing just fine.

The cooler walls are white and I’ve have to keep the cooler lid open a crack so I can run the airhose into it (what I’m trying to say here is that light is getting in).

When I caught these bullies they were jet black (except for 1 yellow bullhead). Now all the bullies are pale and yellowish. Some are almost white or completely colorless. Is this a problem? I’ve only had them for about 4 days. They are super energetic. Are they just blending into their surroundings, or what?

Have you noticed that flatties prefer a standard black bullhead, or will these pale ones work just fine?

Whoa! After reading what I wrote, even I can tell I’m an amateur at this bullhead/flathead business.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've never noticed that. I would guess it doesn't matter as long as they're lively. Flatheads have tiny eyes and live in murky water, so I doubt they can tell a difference.

[wastewaterguru]

When the bullies start getting pale......it has always precluded their death in my tank.

They get pale...then they die.

Not sure why, probably starvation and nitrate poisoning.

I have a dark colored bait tank though....but that's my experience with them.

[crazyice]

I was with Tyler when we caught these and of all of them I just hope the yellow bullhead makes it, I need to get some revenge on that little bugger! (long story)

[hanson]

I've never had them change color like that, and I keep them in coolers with white insides.

The ones that do start to lighten up are the ones that are about to die, like WWG said.

If they do stay alive, I would use them puppies! In the natural world, albinos typically don't fair very well in the wild.

[Tyler Holm]

Man, we handled these buggers last night and they certainly didn't seem nearing death. Fiesty as the moment we caught them. I really don't think this color change is indicating malnutrition or starvation as I’ve only had them since Tuesday, but I guess it’s possible.

I’ve been getting fresh water out of a reservoir not far from my house. The reservoir contains many fish including bullheads, but I guess it’s not the same water as where I caught the bullheads.

I plan to use a few of these bullies on Sunday. Hopefully they make it till then, then hopefully hanson’s theory comes into play!

[greebs]

I didn't think bullheads ever died. I remember as a little kid grampa taking us out and catching a mess, throwing them in the dry trunk in 90 degree weather, getting home an hour later and they'd be dry as a bone and still be flopping around.

[rushing]

No big deal if they are still lively just be careful when you change the water that its not too big of a temp difference. I use a 5gal bucket to hold my bullies so I have to change the water about everyday. I recommend trying a water additive called "Baitfresh", it helps them stay crazy for as long as I need them.

I really don't think their color has any affect on how effective they are as long as they are lively.

I accidentally lost a bully during a water change in the bushes a couple of weeks ago and the next day when I went to dump out the water again I noticed a leathery dried out bully still breathing. But then I have had a whole bucket of bullies die for no good reason. They are an extremely hardy but not indestructible.

[howellcanufish]

Holmer, I hope those aren't the bullies we're planning on using on the 28th. Then again, maybe you'll have them fattened up by then and just the right size for the big rods.

[Flaco651]

Quote:

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When the bullies start getting pale......it has always precluded their death in my tank.

They get pale...then they die.

Not sure why, probably starvation and nitrate poisoning.

---

Same here. For the most part they stay healthy, but I did have a few drop dead in the last week shortly after the color change.

[Larry FlatCaster]

Ive had bullies turn color and live for 4 weeks, and lively as ever. I agree with WWG somewhat. I think that bullies are able to do a little camo to thier surroundings. Clear water is part cause also.

[andrew chadwick]

throw some worms, or hotdogs, or something to them if you think they are starving. See what happens.