The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Tadpole Madtom, Noturus gyrinus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Looks like a small catfish
ï¿½	Stubby, rounded body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Short head, terminal mouth, short barbels around mouth
ï¿½	Small eye near the top of the head
ï¿½	Broad tail
ï¿½	Dark line on side
ï¿½	Short pectoral spine
ï¿½	Gold-brown body
ï¿½	Dusky gold fins

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Ouachita madtom (Noturus lachneri)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 50-85 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm creeks, streams, and rivers, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs in vegetation

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	All major Atlantic slope drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Crustaceans and aquatic insects

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning probably occurs in from April through August 
ï¿½	Fecundity is 43-323 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Pectoral sting of this madtom is toxic 

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):