[7] They also have three spines, one on the dorsal and two on the pectoral fins, which are coated with a toxic irritant that inflicts local pain and swelling as a defense against predation.

[10] A. brunneus can vary greatly in color but the most commonly observed morphs have brown to yellow-green backs with mottled sides and a white belly.

[5] Their range in Georgia includes Tennessee, Coosa, Chattahoochee, Flint, Satilla, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Ogeechee, and Savannah River basins.

[5] As a nocturnal species, they prefer cover under rock and wood structures during the day and forage in the open at riffles at night.

[4] They are known omnivorous benthic bottom feeders that use their barbels for taste, touch and reading electric currents due to their poor sight.

Additionally, they are believed to forage on filamentous algae and other plants,[12]: 10  although these may be sourced indirectly from the ingestion of caddisfly larval cases.

[5] Flathead catfish are common because people intentionally stock them into rivers and streams as a sportfish, with unforeseen effects on native fauna.

[14] Along with invasive predators, snail bullheads are threatened by sedimentation, hydrologic modification, impoundments, non-point source pollution and development.