Mountain Madtom Noturus eleutherus
photo by Rob Criswell
photo by Rob Criswell
| IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: This small
catfish reaches a maximum size of about three inches, but most
individuals range from about one to 2 1/2 inches in length. The adipose
fin is connected with the tail fin, but appears to be separate. The
frontmost patch of teeth on the roof of the mouth lacks backward
extensions. Although the pectoral fin spines are curved and strongly
toothed along the rear margin, as in the northern madtom, the front
margin is weakly toothed (strongly toothed in the northern madtom).
BIOLOGY-NATURAL HISTORY: Aside from published observations concerning its growth rate in Ohio, there is no life history information available. PREFERRED HABITAT: The mountain madtom requires clean, moderate- to swift-flowing large streams or rivers with a bottom of large stones, rubble, gravel and sand. It is usually found in deep, fast riffles, sometimes in dense vegetation attached to the bottom material. It is apparently very sensitive to siltation and other pollutants. REASONS FOR BEING THREATENED: In Pennsylvania, this species continues to exist only in French Creek in Mercer and Erie counties, but it has also been historically recorded from the Shenango River. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: Diligent watershed monitoring is necessary to safeguard against the deterioration of the upper Allegheny River system. As the quality of this river goes, so go many of the animals dependent upon it. The mountain madtom and other animals in this particular habitat are excellent barometers of the health of this stream system. |