The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Mountain Madtom, Noturus eleutherus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Looks like a small catfish
ï¿½	Stout body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Somewhat depressed head
ï¿½	Large eye near the top of the head
ï¿½	Inferior mouth, brown, mottled barbels around mouth
ï¿½	Wide, pale margin on adipose fin
ï¿½	Partial notch between adipose and tail fin
ï¿½	Dark saddles and blotches on the body
ï¿½	Slightly curved pectoral spine
ï¿½	Dark brown splotches on brown body
ï¿½	Mottled brown fins, brown bar at base of tail fin

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnis)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 40-60 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Riffles and runs of clear, warm streams and rivers

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Tennessee drainage in the North Fork Holston, Clinch, and Powell Rivers

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insect larvae at night

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Life span is 4-5 years
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in June and July 
ï¿½	Eggs laid in cavities under flat rocks in gently flowing pools
ï¿½	Fecundity is 55-115 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Most common small catfish in southwestern Virginia

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):