Description:
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total):
6-7; Anal soft rays: 12 - 15; Vertebrae: 33 - 34.
Differs also by the following combination of characters:
pectoral spine with strongly developed anterior dentations,
some often bifurcate; pectoral spine, its posterior
serrae, and the posterior process of cleithrum very
large; pectoral fin long, sickle-shaped, and when
depressed, reach beyond pelvic fin origin, except
in very large specimens. A member of Noturus furiosus
species group and formerly part of the N. stigmosus
complex. Habitat: Inhabits mainstream
rivers of small to medium size and the lower reaches
of their major tributaries. Most commonly associated
with moderate velocities, moderate depth (about 60
cm), clean sand or clay substrata and cover in the
form of leaf packs, brush and log jams. Colouration:
Distinguished from all other members by its exceptionally
bold pigment pattern, with particular reference to
the following markings: dark brown to black dorsal
saddles highly contrasted with pale yellow to tan
areas on body; posterior dark saddle passing through
adipose fin extends to middle of anal fin base, posterior
to terminus of caudal peduncle, forming a well-defined
broad lateral band of dense pigment; dorsal fin with
dark, broad submarginal and basal bands connected
anteriorly via first 2-3 rays; anal fin with dark
central blotch extending onto base and often connected
to intense dark pigment on sides of caudal peduncle;
dark, crescent-shaped midcaudal band, thickest in
center where broadly joined to dark pigment on caudal
peduncle. Further reading:Thomas,
M.R. and B.M. Burr, 2004. Aquarium Care:
The Madtoms are well suited to aquarium life. Provide
river gravel and smooth rounded stones for hiding
places during the day. A power filter at one end of
the tank will provide the conditions of a flowing
stream for these catfish. Can be housed with other
North American fishes such as minnows, darters and
shiners. Diet: They like most meaty
food, such as cut-up earth worms, frozen blood worm
and prawns. They will also take tablet and pellet
foods. A varied diet will keep them in optimum health.
Remarks:
Previously known under the name Noturus stigmosus
or N. sp. cf. stigmosus.
Common
Name:
Piebald madtom
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Ictaluridae
Distribution:
North America:
Coastal plain streams of Tennessee and Mississippi,
USA. Type locality: Tennessee: Hardeman
County: Mississippi River basin, Pleasant Run (Hatchie
River) at Summerville-Bolivar Rd., just upstream of
Potters Creek, ca. 2.5 km W of Bolivar; 35º15'14"N,
089º02'05"W.
Size:
10.5cm. (4¼ins)
Temp:
16-23°C (59-73°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.0.
Reference:
Ferraris, C.J. Jr.,
2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes:
Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary
types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors.
2016. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.
www.fishbase.org, ( 06/2016 ). Thomas, M.R. and B.M.
Burr, 2004.
Noturus gladiator, a new species of madtom (Siluriformes:
Ictaluridae) from Coastal Plain streams of Tennessee
and Mississippi. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwat. 15(4):351-368.
If you would like to contribute to the monthly factsheets with an
article, information or photos, please e-mail
me. You will of course be credited for your work.
If you would like to donate any denomination
of monies to the site just click the above link button. All proceeds
will go to running the site and hopefully to keep it going for a few
years yet.