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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 ]
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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]
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 diet of the northern madtom consists of small insects and invertebrates. However, because the species is found in such small numbers, no real evidence supports the specifics of their diet. Little is known as to the quality or quantity of what the northern madtom eats. The northern madtom is found in different habitats throughout its range.
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]
The black madtom has a rather plump body. It is a black or dark black blue on the top half and lighter on the lower half. [3] It has an average total length of 7.9 cm, but can reach a total length of 15 cm. [4] They have many tiny dots across their body, most obvious under the head and belly.
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.