Stonecat Madtom

Stonecat Madtom (Noturus flavus)

The Stonecat received its name because of its tendency to hide beneath flat rocks in fast flowing riffles and runs. They are also the largest of the madtoms reaching lengths of ten to twelve inches.

The spines present on the pectoral fins can deliver a painful sting if this fish is handled carelessly. Like other members of the genus they possess a poison gland at the base of the pectoral fins which secretes a venomous toxin that forms part of the mucus coating on these spines.

Although the Stonecat is mainly a riffle species, it tends to be more successful in lower to moderate gradient streams where siltation is at a minimum.

Stonecats are also good indicators of smallmouth bass populations, because where one is abundant the other tends to also be abundant.

Stonecats are found virtually everywhere along the rocky shorelines of Lake Erie and also in the Muskingum and Scioto river systems and the Ohio River drainage.