Neosho madtom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Neosho madtom |
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The Neosho madtom (Noturus placidus) is a tiny North American catfish. It lives in fresh water. Since 1996, this fish has been listed as a species that is almost threatened in the United States. This means it needs our help to survive.
What Does It Look Like?
The Neosho madtom is a small fish. It looks like other North American catfish. It has smooth skin with no scales. Its head is quite big. It also has special whiskers called barbels. These barbels help it feel and find food.
Adult Neosho madtoms are usually less than 3 inches (8 cm) long. That's about the length of your finger! They have a brownish stripe down their back. Their bodies look mottled, like they have different colored spots.
A good way to tell them apart from similar fish is their adipose fin. This fin has a light-colored edge.
Life Cycle and Habits
Neosho madtoms do not live very long. Most of them only live for about three years. Not much is known about how they have babies.
Scientists think they lay their eggs in June and July. Other fish like them lay eggs under small stones. Sometimes, a parent will guard the eggs and even the young fish.
During the day, adult madtoms hide in the gravel. At night, they come out to find food. Their main food source is small water insects.
Where Do They Live?
Neosho madtoms like to live in shallow, fast-moving parts of rivers. These areas are called riffles. They prefer places with loose, rocky bottoms. Sometimes, they are found in sandy areas with lots of fallen leaves.
Young Neosho madtoms might live in deeper pools. These pools are usually found downstream from the riffles.
History and Decline
In the past, Neosho madtoms lived in several rivers. These included the Neosho, Cottonwood, Spring, and Illinois Rivers. These rivers are found in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Today, they are thought to be gone from the Illinois River. Their numbers are also much lower in other parts of their old home. In Oklahoma, you can only find them in Ottawa and Craig Counties.
The Neosho madtom's numbers have dropped because their homes are being destroyed. Building dams and digging up gravel hurt their habitat. More water is also being used by people, which means less water for the fish. Pollution from cattle farms has also made the water dirty. All these things make it hard for the Neosho madtom to survive.
