Habitat: Five
isolated populations inhabit the upper Roanoke River
drainage (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). A probably introduced
population occurs in the upper James River drainage
(Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Generally this species
is rare to uncommon (Page and Burr 2011). In the Roanoke
River, this species appears to extirpated in Roanoke,
and population density in Salem is much reduced (Jenkins
and Burkhead 1994). Populations in the North Fork
Roanoke, Smith, and Little Dan rivers are minuscule
or extirpated (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Since 1977,
the species apparently has increased its range in
Craig Creek, Big Chestnut Creek, and the South Mayo
River systems. 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: In an aquarium setting
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 gilberti: In honour of friend
and colleague Charles H. Gilbert (1859–1928),
American ichthyologist and fisheries biologist.
Common
Name:
Orangefin madtom
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Ictaluridae
Distribution:
North America:
Roanoke River basin, Virginia; possibly introduced
elsewhere. Type locality: Roanoke
River, Salem, Virginia.
Size:
10.0cm. (4ins)
Temp:
16-23°C (59-73°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
IUCN
Red List
In
the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species this species
is listed as endangered because its extent of occurrence
is less than 5,000 sq km, area of occupancy is less
than 500 sq km, native (and /or probably viable) populations
occur in not more than five locations, distribution
may be severely fragmented, and habitat quality is subject
to ongoing degradation (IUCN 2013).
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