Brindled Madtom

Brindled Madtom (Noturis miuris)

An inhabitant of sluggish pools and low gradient streams, this small member of the catfish family is widely distributed throughout Ohio.

Preferred habitats include substrates composed of sands and clean organic debris free from silts and clays. They spend their daylight hours hiding under rocks or organic debris such as sunken logs, twigs, or root wads.

In the fall of the year they can often be found hiding in beds of submerged leaves. They are most active at night where they can be found hunting for aquatic insects and small fish in pools and riffles.

Many populations, particularly in northwestern Ohio have been extirpated as a consequence of siltation and other forms of habitat degradation.

As with other members of the genus Noturus, the brindled madtom is equipped with a pair of sharp, serrated pectoral spines for defensive purposes. A poison gland situated at the base of each spine helps ensure a painful sting for anyone who handles one of these fish to carelessly.