Black madtom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black madtom |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Noturus
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| Species: |
funebris
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The black madtom (Noturus funebris) is a small, freshwater catfish. It is active mostly at night, which means it is nocturnal. You can find this fish in rivers and creeks in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. It is one of 29 different types of madtom fish.
What Does It Look Like?
The black madtom has a body that is quite plump. Its top half is black or a dark blue-black color, while its bottom half is lighter. On average, these fish are about 7.9 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. However, some can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long!
They have many tiny dots all over their body. These dots are easiest to see under their head and on their belly. The fin found under the fish's body is called the anal fin. This fin is long and has between 21 and 27 rays, reaching all the way to its tail fin. The tail fin, also called the caudal fin, is usually straight or slightly rounded.
Like other madtoms, black madtoms have many special pores and whiskers called barbels. These help them sense chemicals in the water. This helps them find food and know what is around them.
Where Do They Live?
You can often find black madtoms in rivers and creeks that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. These areas include places from Econfina Creek in Florida to the Pearl River in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Black madtoms like to live in places with a steady flow of water. They prefer permanent springs, creeks, or rivers that move at a moderate or fast speed. They also like areas with small gravel or coarse sand at the bottom. These fish often hide among plants in the water. Scientists think that black madtoms lay their eggs under rocks.
What Do They Eat?
Scientists believe that black madtoms eat similar things to other madtom fish. Their diet includes small crustaceans called decapods. These are like tiny shrimp or crayfish. They also eat the young forms, or larvae, of insects. This includes the larvae of flies, mayflies, and caddisflies. During the summer, they eat more plant material.
How Do They Behave?
Black madtoms are known for being nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. They spend their days hiding and come out to search for food when it's dark.
See also
- In Spanish: Noturus funebris para niños
