SCOTCAT.COM  

Garold W. Sneegas (1) Kevin Mouser (1)

Description: The Ozark Madtom has a stout body and a relatively short head. A large dark blotch beneath adipose fin usually extends into the lower half of the fin, rarely to the edge. A dark bar (sometimes diffuse) is on the base of the caudal fin. The caudal fin has a straight or slightly rounded edge and a creamy white area on the upper margin of the fin. The high adipose fin has a rounded edge and is followed by a notch between it and the caudal fin. The pectoral spine has 6-10 large teeth on the rear edge and small teeth on the front edge. The pectoral fin has 9 rays, and the anal fin has 13-16 rays. Colouration: The body is yellow-brown to light brown above and pale yellow to cream-white below. There is dark mottling or blotching and 4 dusky saddles. The fins are yellow or white with indistinct blotches. The caudal fin often has irregular dark bands. 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.

Ozark madtom

None

Ictaluridae

North America: Ozark Uplands of Missouri and Arkansas, USA in upper White (including Red  River) and St. Francis River drainages.

10.0cm. (4ins)

16-23°C (59-73°F)

6.5-7.2.

Florida Museum of Natural History
Schleser David M.; North American Native Fishes for the Home Aquarium. Barron's Educational Series. Inc. 1998. 169 p.