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Noturus albater Taylor, 1969

Image contributors to this species:

Garold W. Sneegas (1) Kevin Mouser (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: The Ozark Madtom has a stout body and a relatively short head. A large dark blotch beneath adipose fin usually extends into the lower half of the fin, rarely to the edge. A dark bar (sometimes diffuse) is on the base of the caudal fin. The caudal fin has a straight or slightly rounded edge and a creamy white area on the upper margin of the fin. The high adipose fin has a rounded edge and is followed by a notch between it and the caudal fin. The pectoral spine has 6-10 large teeth on the rear edge and small teeth on the front edge. The pectoral fin has 9 rays, and the anal fin has 13-16 rays. Colouration: The body is yellow-brown to light brown above and pale yellow to cream-white below. There is dark mottling or blotching and 4 dusky saddles. The fins are yellow or white with indistinct blotches. The caudal fin often has irregular dark bands. Aquarium Care: The Madtoms are well suited to aquarium life. Provide river gravel and smooth rounded stones for hiding places during the day. A power filter at one end of the tank will provide the conditions of a flowing stream for these catfish. Can be housed with other North American fishes such as minnows, darters and shiners. Diet: They like most meaty food, such as cut-up earth worms, frozen blood worm and prawns. They will also take tablet and pellet foods. A varied diet will keep them in optimum health. Etymology: The specific name albater: albus (L.), white; ater (L.), black, referring to contrasting light areas on caudal fin and dark saddles on sides.

Common Name:

Ozark madtom

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Ictaluridae

Distribution:

North America: Ozark Uplands of Missouri and Arkansas, USA in upper White (including Red River) and St. Francis River drainages.

Size:

10.0cm. (4ins)

Temp:

16-23°C (59-73°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

IUCN Red List

Listed as Least Concern in view of the large extent of occurrence, large number of subpopulations, large population size, and lack of major threats. Trend over the past 10 years or three generations is uncertain but likely relatively stable, or the species may be declining but not fast enough to qualify for any of the threatened categories under Criterion A (reduction in population size), (needs updating IUCN 2013).

Reference:

Florida Museum of Natural History
Schleser David M.; North American Native Fishes for the Home Aquarium. Barron's Educational Series. Inc. 1998. 169 p.

Family: Ictaluridae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Noturus albater

Noturus albater
Dorsal view

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