It is a member of a group of bullhead species having a black blotch at the base of the dorsal fin and a relatively large eye.

[3] The spotted bullhead is a freshwater demersal fish, known to inhabit mainstem and large tributaries.

It inhabits rocky or sandy substrates with moderate currents and is particularly fond of deep holes in the river systems.

[3] Aside from human consumption and sport fishing the spotted bullhead may fall victim to predators such as otters and snapping turtles but it is particularly threatened by the presence of larger catfish.

[3] The spotted bullhead is not sought after commercially due to its small size, though it has been known to occasionally appear in markets for human consumption.