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he Madtom catfishes of North America are well suited to aquarium life as most are of moderate size. As some of this genera have very limited ranges some are on the protected list and as such the collector would need to have the information at hand as whether collecting of a certain species would be permitted.

Noturus nocturnus

N. nocturnus inhabits sand-gravel riffles and runs near debris and among tree roots along undercut banks in creeks to large rivers. They feed on aquatic insects dominated by mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and blackflies.

The main talking point of madtoms is the venom contained in the dorsal and pectoral spines of this genus which can give a very nasty sting, it is a venomous toxin that forms part of the mucus coating on these spines. In some cases this can last a few hours with swelling of the infected area. This of course is a deterrent to large predators to keep well away and is an excellent defense mechanism. Jason Leaman from Pennsylvania talks about a close species in N. insignis and he states that "if you get stung by the Stonecat, the best relief right away ironically is to rub the wound onto the fish (anywhere you won't get stung again). I have never had the sting last more than about 30 seconds. Its really not too painful, however throbs a bit briefly. I don't know how long it would actually last if I didn't use the Stonecats own medicinal value of its oily flesh"

The freckled madtom looks similar to the Tadpole madtom (Noturus gyrnus) but is more slender, more freckled and is distinguished by the protruding upper jaw. Taylor (1969: 79-81) noted that the species is variable and tends to form distintive localised populations.

Update: As of November 1998 in the U.K.you must have a licence to keep the above species. This licence is now issued free, but does take a few months to process. There has been numerous updates since 1998 so would be better to check this out. For more information log on to the DEFRA site and also to get a phone number if needed.

Freckled Madtom

None

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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. Type Locality: Saline River at Benton, Saline County, Arkansas.

12.0cm. (4¾ins)

16-23°C (59-73°F)

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.

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.

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.

Noturus: Meaning "Back Tail" referring to the fusion of the adipose and caudal fins.
nocturnus: nocturnus meaning nocturnal, referring to the dark colouration.

Photo Credits

© Larry M. Page @