The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Catfish

Margined Madtom, Noturus insignis

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Looks like a small catfish
ï¿½	Moderately elongate body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	Nonblotched body
ï¿½	Some median fins with dark edges
ï¿½	Broad, depressed head, inferior mouth, barbels around mouth are white, others brown
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Straight pectoral spine
ï¿½	Head and top dark colored of body 
ï¿½	Dan River form has dark spots along side of body  

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Freckled madtom (Noturus nocturnus)
ï¿½	Slender madtom (Noturus exilis)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 90-120 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Low and moderate-gradient large creeks to large rivers in most habitats

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Native to the New drainage
ï¿½	Introduced to the North Fork Holston
ï¿½	Also found in the Pee Dee, Dan, Roanoke, Meherrin, Chowan, and all Atlantic slope drainages (Potomac, Rappahannock, James, York) - all of these may have been introduced 

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic invertebrates, mostly insect larvae, fish, and terrestrial insects

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Fish mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in May and June 
ï¿½	Nests located beneath flat rocks in gentle runs and slow water above and below riffles
ï¿½	Fecundity is 53-223 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Indians ate margined madtom according to archaeological evidence
ï¿½	Spotted form has endangered status because of it restricted range 
ï¿½	Use as bait has spread this fish to many different drainages

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):