Virtual Aquarium Home
Margined Madtom
Margined Madtom,  Noturus insignis

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

Similar species: 
�	Freckled madtom (Noturus nocturnus)
�	Slender madtom (Noturus exilis)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 90-120 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Low and moderate-gradient large creeks to large rivers in most habitats

Distribution in VA:
�	Native to the New drainage
�	Introduced to the North Fork Holston
�	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:  
�	Aquatic invertebrates, mostly insect larvae, fish, and terrestrial insects

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

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Indians ate margined madtom according to archaeological evidence
�	Spotted form has endangered status because of it restricted range 
�	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):

VAFWIS
Black Bullhead
Black Bullhead
Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish
Brown Bullhead
Brown Bullhead
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
Flat Bullhead
Flat Bullhead
Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Margined Madtom
Margined Madtom
Mountain Madtom
Mountain Madtom
Orangefin Madtom
Orangefin Madtom
Stonecat
Stonecat
Tadpole Madtom
Tadpole Madtom
White Catfish
White Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead
Yellowfin Madtom
Yellowfin Madtom
Continue Browsing Families.....
  1. Petromyzontidae, Lampreys
  2. Polyodontidae, Paddlefish
  3. Acipenseridae, Sturgeons
  4. Lepisosteidae, Gars
  5. Amiidae, Bowfins
  6. Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels
  7. Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes
  8. Ictaluridae, Catfish
  9. Percopsidae, Trout-Perches
  10. Salmonidae, Trouts
  11. Clupeidae, Herrings
  12. Esocidae, Pikes
  13. Aphredoderidae, Pirate Perches
  14. Umbridae, Mudminnows
  15. Fundulidae, Killifishes
  16. Poeciliidae, Livebearers
  17. Cyprinidae, Minnows
  18. Catostomidae, Suckers
  19. Gasterosteidae, Sticklebacks
  20. Atherinidae, Silversides
  21. Cottidae, Sculpins
  22. Sciaenidae, Drums
  23. Percidae, Perches
  24. Moronidae, Striped Basses
  25. Centrarchidae, Sunfishes

Virtual Aquarium Home