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Noturus nocturnus Jordan & Gilbert, 1886

Image contributors to this species:

Garold W. Sneegas (1) Larry M. Page (1) jasonrl (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: This species is moderately robust. The head is depressed, rounded above with the upper jaw overhanging the lower. 4 pairs barbels. Pectoral fin spine with anterior edge smooth, posterior edge roughened or with 3-5 serrations, poison gland at base. As with most of this genera, handle with care. Anal fin is short, 15-20 rays. Habitat: Inhabits sand-gravel riffles and runs near debris and among tree roots along undercut banks in creeks to large rivers. Colouration: Body has a uniform colour of a brown back with the sides lighter with dark freckles. The belly is yellowish. The base of the median fins are dusky and lighter towards the edges, margins are clear. 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 aquatic insect immatures dominated by mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and blackflies. In the aquarium 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: nocturnus: Nocturnus meaning nocturnal, referring to the dark colouration.

Common Name:

Freckled madtom

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Ictaluridae

Distribution:

North America: Mississippi River basin from northern Illinois to Louisiana, and from eastern Kentucky tocentral Kansas and Oklahoma in the USA; Gulf Slope drainages from Mobile Bay in Alabama to Guadalupe River in Texas, USA.

Size:

12.0cm. (4¾ins)

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:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (05/2012).
NatureServe. 2013. Noturus nocturnus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.
The Audubon Society Field guide to North American Fishes, Whales & Dolphins. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 848 p.

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

Noturus nocturnus

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