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Description: The Smoky Madtom has a slender body and a flat head, with the deepest point being beneath the dorsal fin. The caudal fin has a straight edge and is joined to the adipose fin with a shallow notch between the two fins. The anal fin has 12-14 rays. The pectoral spine is short with 4-5 large teeth on the rear edge and small teeth on the front edge. Colouration: The body is olive-brown on the back and sides and white to yellow below. There are 4 pale yellow saddles along the middle of the back, barely visible laterally. The fins are clear or yellow to dusky brown. The mostly clear or yellow adipose fin has a dusky band that almost extends to the edge. 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: Cited in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species of 1996 as being critacally endangered as it occurs only in two small sections of streams (tributaries of the Little Tennessee River) in Tennessee (one site represents a reintroduction). Was extirpated in another tributary.

Smokey Madtom

None

Ictaluridae

North America: Citico Creek (Little Tennessee River system) in Monroe County in Tennessee, USA.

6.5cm. (2½ins)

05-23°C (37-73°F)

6.5-7.0.

Florida Museum of Natural History
IUCN Red List 2013.
NatureServe. 2013. Noturus baileyi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.
Schleser David M.; North American Native Fishes for the Home Aquarium. Barron's Educational Series. Inc. 1998. 169 p.