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Dustin Smith (1) Birger Kamprath (3) Tim Aldridge (3)

Habitat: Inhabits rocky riffles and runs of clear, fast creeks and small to medium rivers. Colouration: The body of the Margined Madtom is yellow to slate gray above and white or light below. The fins are yellow or light gray and the median fins, except for the adipose fin, have a black edge. Fin borders are blackest in clear streams and may be only dusky in color in turbid water. Individuals in the Dan River, Virginia, have dark spots on the body and fins. Description: The upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw. The rear edge of the pectoral spine has large teeth. The caudal fin edge is straight or slightly rounded. The anal fin has 15-21 rays. 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.

Margined madtom

Pimelodus insigne

Ictaluridae

North America: Atlantic Slope from St. Lawrence River and southeastern Lake Ontario drainages in New York to upper Altamaha River drainage in Georgia, USA; upper Kanawha (New) River system in Virginia and North Carolina, USA; upper Monongahela River system in the USA.

12.0cm. (4¾ins)

15-23°C (57-73°F)

6.5-7.0.

Florida Museum of Natural History