Which food source is specifically mentioned as supplementing the animal diet of the Yellow Bullhead when invertebrate populations are low?

Detritus and various forms of aquatic plant matter

The Yellow Bullhead's widespread success is partly attributed to its highly opportunistic and omnivorous dietary flexibility, meaning it consumes both animal and plant material found near the bottom substrate. While the animal components—insects, larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks—form a critical part of its intake, the species does not exclusively rely on these sources. When the availability of preferred animal protein fluctuates, particularly when invertebrate populations decline, the diet is supplemented significantly by consuming detritus and various aquatic plant materials. This nutritional fallback allows the Yellow Bullhead to maintain a consistent feeding schedule, sustaining it through periods of scarcity when other specialized feeders might struggle.