Madtom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madtom |
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| Neosho madtom, Noturus placidus | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Ictaluridae |
| Genus: | Noturus Rafinesque, 1818 |
| Type species | |
| Noturus flavus Rafinesque, 1818
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Madtoms are small freshwater catfish that live in rivers and streams. They belong to a group of fish called Noturus. You can find them in the central and eastern parts of the United States and nearby areas of Canada.
Madtoms are special because their fin spines have a mild venom. If you get stung, it feels a bit like a honey bee sting. Don't worry, it's usually not serious, but it can be a little painful!
What Makes Madtoms Special?
Madtoms are part of the Ictaluridae family, which has the most types of catfish in North America. Even though there are many different kinds of madtoms, they often look very similar to each other. This can make it tricky for scientists to tell them apart!
Scientists often look at their colors and patterns to identify different madtom species. These colors can sometimes change depending on where the fish lives, like the type of riverbed or how clean the water is. Many madtom species are still being discovered and named by scientists.
Madtoms in Danger
Sadly, many types of madtoms are very rare. They live in only a few places and are at high risk of extinction. This means they could disappear forever.
For example, the Noturus trautmani might already be extinct. The last time anyone saw one was way back in 1957. Scientists and conservationists are working hard to protect these unique fish.
Types of Madtoms
There are 29 known types of madtoms. Here are some of them:
- Noturus albater (Ozark madtom)
- Noturus baileyi (smoky madtom)
- Noturus crypticus (chucky madtom)
- Noturus elegans (elegant madtom)
- Noturus eleutherus (mountain madtom)
- Noturus exilis (slender madtom)
- Noturus fasciatus (saddled madtom)
- Noturus flavater (checkered madtom)
- Noturus flavipinnis (yellowfin madtom)
- Noturus flavus (stonecat)
- Noturus funebris (black madtom)
- Noturus furiosus (Carolina madtom)
- Noturus gilberti (orangefin madtom)
- Noturus gladiator (piebald madtom)
- Noturus gyrinus (tadpole madtom)
- Noturus hildebrandi (least madtom)
- Noturus insignis (margined madtom)
- Noturus lachneri (Ouachita madtom)
- Noturus leptacanthus (speckled madtom)
- Noturus maydeni (Black River madtom)
- Noturus miurus (brindled madtom)
- Noturus munitus (frecklebelly madtom)
- Noturus nocturnus (freckled madtom)
- Noturus phaeus (brown madtom)
- Noturus placidus (Neosho madtom)
- Noturus stanauli (pygmy madtom)
- Noturus stigmosus (northern madtom)
- Noturus taylori (Caddo madtom)
- Noturus trautmani (Scioto madtom)
Images for kids
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Neosho madtom, Noturus placidus
See also
In Spanish: Noturus para niños
