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Scott Smith (1) Gavin Martin (1)

Habitat: Five isolated populations inhabit the upper Roanoke River drainage (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). A probably introduced population occurs in the upper James River drainage (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Generally this species is rare to uncommon (Page and Burr 2011). In the Roanoke River, this species appears to extirpated in Roanoke, and population density in Salem is much reduced (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Populations in the North Fork Roanoke, Smith, and Little Dan rivers are minuscule or extirpated (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Since 1977, the species apparently has increased its range in Craig Creek, Big Chestnut Creek, and the South Mayo River systems. 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: In an aquarium setting 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: In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species this species is listed as endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 sq km, area of occupancy is less than 500 sq km, native (and /or probably viable) populations occur in not more than five locations, distribution may be severely fragmented, and habitat quality is subject to ongoing degradation.

Orangefin madtom

None

Ictaluridae

North America: Roanoke River basin, Virginia; possibly introduced elsewhere. Type locality: Roanoke River, Salem, Virginia.

10.0cm. (4ins)

16-23°C (59-73°F)

6.5-7.2.

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2021. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 02/2021 ).
NatureServe. 2013. Noturus gilberti. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.
Noturus gilberti Jordan & Evermann, 1889 Observed in United States of America by gavinmartin. iNaturalist 07/10/2019 (CC).
Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr, 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.
Schleser David M.; North American Native Fishes for the Home Aquarium. Barron's Educational Series. Inc. 1998. 169 p.