Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Madtoms are freshwater catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the genus Noturus of the family Ictaluridae. It is the most species-rich genus of catfish in North America, [ 1 ] native to the central and eastern United States, and adjacent parts of Canada. [ 2 ]
Little is known about the Ouachita madtom's reproduction. However, on August 1, 1980 six Ouachita madtoms were collected in a stream only 3.9 feet (1.2 m) across. The six specimens were obviously young-of-the-year, and their presence raised speculations that Ouachita madtoms seek smaller streams during summer months to spawn.
The margined madtom is yellow to dark gray on the upper side of the body, and a pale shade on the underside. It is slimmer than other members of the family Ictaluridae. It has a square tail and lacks the rays of other tadpole madtoms. The dorsal fin and anal fins are rounded, the chin barbels are pale, and all the other barbels are dark.
The slender madtom and the orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) also compete for and share the same diet. [8] The slender madtom inhabits the rocky riffles and pools of creeks and small rivers, spending much of the day hiding under large rocks and emerging to feed at night. [5] Slender madtoms feed preferably after dusk and before dawn.
The northern madtom shares its habitat with several similar species ranging from the very similar mountain madtom to some invasive species, which create competition for both food and resources. However, not much is known about the specifics of the effect of this competition on the northern madtoms because they are found in such small numbers.
The Ictaluridae, sometimes called ictalurids, are a family of catfish native to North America, where they are an important food source and sometimes fished for sport.The family includes about 51 species, some commonly known as bullheads, madtoms, channel catfish, and blue catfish.
The frecklebelly madtom is a robust, boldly patterned member of the monophyletic saddled madtom subgenus Rabida. [4] Historically, the population thrived in large rivers in the Mobile Basin and Pearl River drainages in the southeastern United States. [5] However, it is currently limited to the Coastal Plain rivers. [6]
Checkered madtoms are ready to spawn by April, but may not spawn until July. Males of three to five years guard the nests. Females most likely leave the nests while males remain to care for the embryos. [6] Checkered madtom embryos resemble the embryos of other madtoms. Larvae 10 to 12 days old begin to have proportions resembling adults. [6]