The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Yellow madtom, Ameiurus natalis

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Looks like a small catfish
ï¿½	Stocky body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Broad, depressed head
ï¿½	Large eye near the top of the head
ï¿½	Inferior mouth, long barbels around mouth
ï¿½	Notch between adipose and tail fin
ï¿½	Yellow-brown body with dark saddles and blotches 
ï¿½	Slightly curved pectoral spine
ï¿½	Pale yellow at base of all fins except pelvic which is whitish-pink

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Mountain madtom (Noturus eleutherus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 70-110 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Clear streams and rivers, under cover of rocks, logs, leaf litter, etc.

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

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insect larvae

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2 or 3
ï¿½	Spawning probably occurs in from mid-May to mid-July at 20-23ï¿½C
ï¿½	Eggs laid in cavities under flat rocks in shallow pools
ï¿½	Fecundity is 121-278 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Thought to be extinct at one time
ï¿½	Federally threatened, recommended for endangered status in 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):