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Noturus leptacanthus Jordan, 1877

Image contributors to this species:

Dustin Smith (1) Tim Aldridge (1) nv_multispeciesfishing (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: The head is narrow, the eyes small and the upper jaw overhangs the lower. 4 pairs barbels. Pectoral spine has poison glands at the base so with most of this genera, handle with care. Habitat: Inhabits gravel-sand runs and rocky riffles of creeks and small to medium rivers, near vegetation. Colouration: This species is slender built with a dark brown to russet back; sides brownish yellow. The back, sides, median fins have scattered grey black blotches, belly whitish. 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: Feeds on midge larvae. 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 leptacanthus: eptós, thin or slender; acanthus (L.), from ákantha, thorn or spine, referring to “small and slender dorsal and pectoral spines which are devoid of internal serratures”.

Common Name:

Speckled madtom

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Ictaluridae

Distribution:

North America: Atlantic and Gulf Slope drainages from Edisto River in South Carolina, USA to Amite-Comite River in Louisiana, USA; south in peninsular Florida to St. John's River drainage.

Size:

8.0cm. (3ins)

Temp:

15-23°C (57-73°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.0.

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:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (05/2012).
The Audubon Society Field guide to North American Fishes, Whales & Dolphins. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 848 p.
Schleser David M.; North American Native Fishes for the Home Aquarium. Barron's Educational Series. Inc. 1998. 169 p.
The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.

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

Noturus leptacanthus

Noturus leptacanthus
US-1, Ridge Spring, SC 29129, USA

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