Frecklebelly madtom

Frecklebelly madtom
Conservation status
	; Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Ictaluridae
Genus:	Noturus
Species:	N. munitus
Binomial name
	Noturus munitus; Suttkus & W. R. Taylor, 1965

Last updated June 19, 2023

The frecklebelly madtom (Noturus munitus) is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae endemic to the United States. Madtoms are in the genus Noturus, which is a group of catfish prevalent in North America. In 2023, the Upper Coosa River distinct population segment (DPS) of N. munitus was listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.^[2]^[3]

Description

The frecklebelly madtom is a robust, boldly patterned member of the monophyletic saddled madtom subgenus Rabida.^[4] Historically, the population thrived in large rivers in the Mobile Basin and Pearl River drainages in the southeastern United States.^[5] However, it is currently limited to the Coastal Plain rivers.^[6] The species lives exclusively in medium to large rivers free of sedimentation and over gravel shoals.^[6] They spawn between June and August while producing 50 to 75 mature eggs in a single clutch.^[6]

All madtom species, including N. munitus have experienced decline since the 1950s due to channelization, gravel mining, dredging, and siltation, which reduce the ability for the species to properly breed and survive.

Distribution

N. munitus is a diminutive catfish with a disjunct distribution across the southeastern United States. It is historically known from the Pearl River drainage and the Upper Tombigbee River drainage in Mississippi and Louisiana, and the Alabama River and Cahaba River drainages in Alabama. However, it has been extirpated from the main channel of the Tombigbee and Alabama Rivers, and is currently limited to the Coastal Plain rivers.^[6] The species lives exclusively in medium to large rivers free of sedimentation and over gravel shoals.^[6]N. munitus has declined rapidly since the mid-1950s when river modification began. The loss of gravel substrates and increased levels of sedimentation due to poor agricultural practices have also affected the species. It is now reliably found in high numbers in only a few locations and is considered threatened with extinction.^[5]

Ecology

The habitats of N. munitus and other Noturus species are very specific. They must have moving, cool water, with no sedimentation. Dams interrupt the water flows, and sedimentation can cover eggs, preventing them from hatching. Several large-river specialists were frequently collected with N. munitus, including Macrhybopsis sp.cf. aestivalis (speckled chub), Macrhybopsis storeriana (silver chub), Notropis uranoscopus Suttkus (skygazing shiner), Crystallaria asprella (crystal darter), Percina lenticula (freckled darter), and P. vigil (saddleback darter).^[7]

Since N. munitus is an opportunistic insectivore, like most of these fish, competition for food may be present in the ecology of the species. A diet analysis showed Bactidae nymphs (31%), Hydropsychidae larvae (20%), and Simuliidae larvae (20%) provided most of the food for N. munitus.^[7] Consequently, in the long run, managing for N. munitus would also benefit other species. However, another reason for decline that should be assessed is predators, but predators were hard to find. Like all madtoms, they are known for their pectoral spines that contain saw-like teeth and a neurotoxin gland. These spines and toxins produce a painful sting when used, and indicate the presence of predators.

Life history

N. munitus reproduction is similar to those of other madtom species. They spawn between June and August while producing 50 to 75 mature eggs in a single clutch.^[6] They also prefer to make homes in cavities under rocks. They use these cavities for spawning. The male locates and guards a suitable site while the female deposits the eggs. The male then protects the eggs from predators and keeps them clean until they hatch; sedimentation plays a big role in the decline of the species. It can cover the eggs and cause them to die. If successful, the young reach reproductive maturity during the second summer of life,^[7] and 2–3 years.^[6]

Current management

Of the 29 Noturus species, more than 50% are considered vulnerable, imperiled, or extinct, and many are likely in need of conservation action due to small ranges and increasing anthropogenic threats,^[8] such as: water impoundment, channelization, gravel mining, dredging, and siltation. These activities reduce the ability for the species to properly breed and survive. Its habitat specificity and lack of published research are also affecting further conservation actions. They are protected in Mississippi and Alabama, but not in Louisiana. The Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust has aimed to protecting habitat sites that would be used by N. munitus.^[6]

Conservation

Conservation recommendations include:

First, monitor the populations.
Second, the habitats need to be protected. Human modification needs to be eliminated,^{[ citation needed ]} and the development of riparian buffer zones should be encouraged. Riparian areas filter out excessive sedimentation and maintain erosion. These buffer zones could also increase insect abundance and larvae. N. munitus trophic ecology appears to be typical of other small benthic fishes, and aquatic insect larvae comprise the bulk of their diet.^[9]
Third, further research of the species would be beneficial. Successful conservation of aquatic biodiversity in the future will depend on accurate knowledge of species habitat and life-history traits, the communities and ecosystems they occupy, recognition and description of evolutionary diversity within currently described species, and the ability of scientists to educate and involve more citizens in research and conservation efforts.^[10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ouachita madtom</span> Species of fish

The Ouachita madtom is a catfish of the family Ictaluridae. The first specimens of the species were collected in 1952 it was not until 1969 that they were recognised as a species. The Ouachita madtom is similar to the tadpole madtom except the Ouachita madtom has one internasal pore while the tadpole madtom has two, and 16 to 18 anal rays while the tadpole madtom has only 14 to 16. It is also similar to the slender madtom but differing in the lack of serrae on the pectoral spine, having more caudal rays, and usually eight pectoral rays while the slender madtom has 9. The maximum length of an Ouachita madtom is about 4 inches (10 cm).

Madtoms are freshwater catfishes of the genus Noturus of the family Ictaluridae. It is the most species-rich family of catfish in North America, native to the central and eastern United States, and adjacent parts of Canada. Their fin spines contain a mild venom with a sting comparable to that of a honey bee.

The yellowfin madtom is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae endemic to the southeastern United States. Historically, the yellowfin madtom was widespread throughout the upper Tennessee River drainage, but was thought to be extinct by the time it was formally described.

The Carolina madtom is an endangered species of fish in the family Ictaluridae. It is endemic to North Carolina. It is a small catfish, reaching a maximum length of nearly five inches. Described in the late-1800s by ichthyologists Jordan and Meek, this fish is the only madtom that is endemic to North Carolina, as indicated by its common name.

The pygmy madtom is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae endemic to the United States, in only two known regions of Tennessee. Madtoms are the smallest members of the catfish family. Members of the genus Noturus can be distinguished by their small size, unusually long adipose fin, and rounded caudal fin. Most specimens have been collected over shallow, fine gravel shoals with moderate to swift flow, usually near the stream bank.

The Caddo madtom is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae endemic to the United States. N. taylori was named in honor of William Ralph Taylor, U.S. National Museum, in recognition of his contributions to the knowledge of catfishes. They average 2 to 4 inches long and weigh no more than a few ounces. N. taylori has a small to tiny, fragmented range, but is mostly found in the Caddo, Ouachita, and Little Missouri Rivers in southwestern Arkansas. Ecological studies indicate that dam and bridge construction poses barriers to dispersal and migration of fish in the Ouachita Highlands. IUCNredlist.org states that better information is needed on life history, reproductive biology, and ecology of the Caddo madtom. This species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Limited range makes this species vulnerable to habitat destruction/degradation from impoundment, pollution, and other factors. Robison and Buchanan (1988) stated, "this rare species should be considered threatened due to loss of habitat". Warren et al. (2000) categorized the species as "threatened".

The tadpole madtom is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae. It is native to Canada and the United States.

The smoky madtom is a species of catfish. Little information exists about the smoky madtom, along with other members of the Noturus species, due to the high turbidity in which they spawn, preventing observation, as well as their nocturnal behaviors.

The chucky madtom is a critically endangered freshwater fish endemic to the U.S. state of Tennessee.

The elegant madtom is a fish native to Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky, and is one of twenty-nine species of madtom. It prefers to live in small rivers and gravel-bottomed creeks. The average lifespan of the elegant madtom is two years.

The mountain madtom is a North American species of temperate freshwater fish belonging to the Noturus genus of the family Ictaluridae. The species was first described to the United States National Museum by Professors Jordan and Gilbert in the Big Pigeon River. The mountain madtom has a body that is characterized as being robust, and by the toxic sting that is associated with their pectoral and dorsal spines. Currently, the Pigeon River Recovery Project is working to try to restore the mountain madtom population that was lost in fisheries. Aside from the Pigeon River Recovery Project, there is little management being applied to this species, and it is currently listed on the threatened species list for the state of Tennessee.

Noturus exilis, also called the slender madtom, is a species of the catfish family Ictaluridae. Ictaluridae includes bullheads, madtoms, channel catfish, and blue catfish. Noturus exilis is found in the central portion of the Mississippi River basin, but is most abundant in Ozarkian streams. Slender madtoms occur west of the Mississippi River in the Ozarks of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri north to southern Wisconsin and Minnesota. It also occurs east of the Mississippi River in the uplands of Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky in the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Green drainages. Nelson first described Noturus exilis in 1876. The slender madtom is moderately large with a terminal to sub terminal mouth, flat head, small eyes, and black marginal bands on the median fins. Most slender madtoms are less than 90 millimetres (3.5 in). Noturus flavus and Noturus nocturnus are rather similar in shape and coloration to Norturus exilis. Slender madtoms inhabit small to medium-sized streams, in riffle and flowing pool habitats with coarse gravel to slab rock substrates. The presence of a shelter object, such as a large rock, seems to be important in habitat selection.

Noturus fasciatus is a rare freshwater fish native to the U.S. state of Tennessee. It was first described as a species separate from Noturus crypticus in 2005. It is restricted to the Duck River system and is also found in two minor tributaries on the lower section of the Tennessee River. This species dwells in small to medium-sized streams where they can be found under gravel, rubble, and slab rock. They feed mostly on insects such as: stone, cattus and mayfly larvae.

The piebald madtom is a species of madtom catfish that is found in seven river systems in the Tennessee and Mississippi coastal tributaries. The most common systems N. gladiator is found in are, the Hatchie River, Obion River, and Wolf River. This species is very susceptible to environmental changes including flow regimes, siltation in nesting sites, and poor environmental quality. The Noturus catfish reproduces from February to September and females reach sexual maturity in only one year. Current management strategies for this recently discovered species haven't been completely developed yet, but could be comparative to the management of other madtom species. Siltation in the southern portions of the rivers, inhabited by Noturus gladiator that comes from the northern aspects of the waterways is causing stress on the reproductive success due to nest suffocation. There are records as close as twenty years ago showing the species inhabiting multiple other rivers around the areas it currently inhabits. This could be a sign that the species is in a decline. There should be population surveys done on the existing habitat and water quality surveys done in the inhabited areas as well as the uninhabited neighboring areas to see what the limiting pollutant might be in the water causing habitats to shrink. The area that this species inhabits needs to be managed in a way that could see a resurgence in gladiators numbers.

Noturus insignis is a small species of North American catfish belonging to the family Ictaluridae.

The speckled madtom is a small freshwater fish found in the southeastern United States that belongs to the genus Noturus of the family Ictaluridae.

The brindled madtom is a small catfish of the family Ictaluridae that is native to the eastern United States.

The freckled madtom a species of freshwater madtom (catfish) found in the eastern United States. The freckled madtom is a benthic feeder mostly of invertebrates and usually inhabits waters that are medium to large in size, living mostly in riffle areas that have mostly clear waters and rocky bottoms. Its spawning season occurs from spring to early summer in riffle areas, and sexual maturation occurs after two years.

The black madtom is a nocturnal, freshwater, diminutive catfish found in watersheds in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, and is one of 29 species of madtom.

The Checkered Madtom is, a small freshwater catfish found in the United States, in the rivers of Arkansas and Missouri. It is one of 29 species of madtom.

References

↑ NatureServe (2013). "Noturus munitus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T14904A19034582. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T14904A19034582.en . Retrieved 15 November 2021.
↑ "Frecklebelly madtom (Noturus munitus)". Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
↑ 88 FR 13038
↑ Hardman. M. 2004. The phylogenetic relationships among Noturus catfishes (Siluriformes:Ictaluridae) as inferred from mitochondrial gene cytochrome b and nuclear recombination activating gene 2. Molecular phylogenetics and Evolution 30:395-408.
1 2 Bennet, Micah G., Kuhajda, Bernard R., and Howell, Heath J. 2008. Status of the Imperiled Frecklebelly Madtom, Noturus munitus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae): A Review of Data from Field Surveys, Museum Records, and the Literature. Southeastern Naturalist 7:459-474.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Bennett, Micah G., Arrington, Albrey D., Kuhajda, Bernard R., and Shepard, Thomas E. 2005. Threatened fishes of the world: Noturus munitus Suttkus & Taylor 1965 (Ictaluridae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 73:226.
1 2 3 Bennet, Micah G., Kuhajda, Bernard R., and Khudamrongsawat, Jenjit. 2010. Life-history Attributes of the Imperiled Frecklebelly Madtom, Noturus munitus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae), in the Cahaba River System, Alabama. Southeastern Naturalist 9(3): 507-520.
↑ Burr, B.M., and J.N. Stoeckel. 1999. The natural history of madtoms (genus Noturus). North America’s diminutive catfishes. American Fisheries Society Symosium 24:51-101.
↑ Miller, Gary L. 1984. Trophic Ecology of the Frecklebelly Madtom Noturus munitus in the Tombigbee River, Mississippi. American Midland Naturalist. 111:8-15.
↑ Threatened fishes of the world: Noturus munitus Suttkus & Taylor 1965 (Ictaluridae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 73:226.