Noturus insignis
| Margined Madtom | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Ictaluridae |
| Genus: | Noturus |
| Species: | N. insignis |
| Binomial name | |
| Noturus insignis (J. Richardson, 1836) | |
The margined madtom (Noturus insignis) is a small species of North American catfish belonging to the family Ictaluridae.
Description
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 Ictaluridae family. 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. They are sized from about 10 cm to 13 cm.
Distribution and habitat
The species ranges from Lake Ontario drainages southward to Georgia. Margined madtoms inhabit clear-water streams, taking shelter among rocks, gravel, and boulders. Its eggs are laid in large quantities, and are guarded by the male parent.
References
- Smith, L. C. The Inland Fishes of New York State. New York: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1985, pp. 88.
- Florida Museum of Natural History entry
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