Noturus exilis

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Noturus exilis
Noturus exilis (Slender Madtom) (4658887994).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Ictaluridae
Genus: Noturus
Species:
N. exilis
Binomial name
Noturus exilis

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. [2] 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. [3] Edward 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). [4] Noturus flavus and Noturus nocturnus are rather similar in shape and coloration to Norturus exilis. [2] 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. [2] [4]

Contents

Distribution

Slender madtoms inhabit two disjunct areas of the Central Highlands: one in the Ozark Highlands ranging from eastern Kansas and Oklahoma to the southern tip of Illinois and including most of Missouri and northwest Arkansas, and the other in the Eastern Highlands, from middle Tennessee and part of southeastern Kentucky, ranging into northern Alabama and Mississippi. The slender madtom also occurs as several smaller, isolated populations in Iowa, Illinois and southern Wisconsin and Minnesota. [5] Slender madtoms have seen a decrease in population size from their previous habitat ranges. Due to habitat alteration along the small streams of the Tennessee drainage, this species may be in great danger of extirpation from Mississippi. It has also declined in the northern part of its range in Wisconsin, due primarily to agricultural runoff or alterations in river flow due to dams. [4] The slender madtom's range has mostly likely decreased due to dam construction, channelization, and agricultural runoff.[ citation needed ]

Ecology

The slender madtom's diet consists of midges, mayflies, caddisflies, isopods, amphipods, and copepods, but ephemeroteran naiads and chironomid larvae make up a majority of their diet. [2] [6] Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a known predator of slender madtoms, which may be one reason why slender madtoms prefers a nocturnal lifestyle, seeking cover during the day when this visual predator is on the prowl. [6] Embryo predation by Orconectes virilis (virile crayfish), Campostoma anomalum (central stoneroller) and Etheostoma caeruleum (rainbow darter) has also been noted. [7] The slender madtom and the orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) also compete for and share the same diet. [8] The slender madtom inhabits the rocky riffles and pools of creeks and small rivers, spending much of the day hiding under large rocks and emerging to feed at night. [5] Slender madtoms feed preferably after dusk and before dawn. Slender Madtoms have also been observed in high percentages in vegetated patches and backwaters during late summer. [9] The slender madtom can be found in streams with current speeds from 8–92 cm/s and can be found at depths between 5–42 cm. [6] The slender madtom has never been a strong swimmer, which has reduced their dispersal over the centuries.[ citation needed ]

Life history

Mayden and Burr found that reproductive activity was concentrated from mid-June through July at water temperatures of 23.5–29 °C in Southern Illinois. [7] Large lowland rivers, such as the Missouri River and Mississippi River, have high silt loads, covering the gravel and rocks that madtoms require for nesting and diurnal refugia. [5] Spawning sites are usually cavities excavated under large rocks, usually in pool areas. Nests have been found to contain 27–74 eggs and are protected by the male until the yolk sac is absorbed by the juveniles. [2] Hatching occurs within eight to nine days in 25 °C water. [4] Individuals are one half the length of a one-year-old by three weeks. Summer is the season of greatest growth, particularly during the first two years of life, and in winter growth slows to a near standstill. Females are capable of spawning their first summer, especially in harsher northern conditions, as long as a critical size is attained (approximately 50 mm in southern Illinois). In contrast, males do not breed until two years of age. The ratio of ovary weight to adjusted body weight (GSI) increased in females in fall and spring, with greater rates of growth in mature adults. [7] Slender madtom are usually 3 inches (7.6 cm) or less in size with a maximum of about 4 inches (10 cm). [10] Slender madtoms can live up to 5 years of age, but most have been collected between 1–3 years old. [6] Adult slender madtoms are weak dispersers, with poor swimming abilities, a characteristic that may have contributed to the existence of two disjoint populations of the species. [5]

Current management

Populations across the slender madtom's range have declined since the late 1970s. The species is nearly extirpated in Wisconsin, although once more widespread there than in Minnesota. [11] Causes for decline may include siltation and turbidity in farming areas, and the dewatering of habitats by hydropower operations. Poor farming practices near streams could be contributing sediments and large amounts of nutrients into streams inhabited by slender madtoms and other species that make the overall ecosystem uninhabitable. Human uses have degraded the habitat and livelihood of the slender madtom and associated species. Predation and intraspecific and interspecific competition may also affect the survival of slender madtoms. [6] The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has done stream surveys but found very few slender madtom specimens. The slender madtom has not had a population assessment at the national level. The slender madtom is classified as endangered in Mammoth Cave National Park. The slender madtom is also classified as endangered in Wisconsin.[ citation needed ] No current management is being done to protect the slender madtom from outside pollutants and other detrimental factors. Some state agencies have surveyed streams for slender madtoms, but no management plan has been put in place. Sufficient research has not been collected on the slender madtom to determine the best method to create new habitat or restore the previous habitat to benefit the slender madtom for decades to come.[ citation needed ]

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, but 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).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madtom</span> Genus of fishes

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.

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

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.

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

The frecklebelly madtom 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.

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 the 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".

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

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

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

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.

<i>Noturus fasciatus</i> Species of fish

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 hildebrandi, also known as the least madtom, is a species of catfish. Its native range stretches from the Obion River in Kentucky to the Homochitto River in Mississippi.

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

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

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

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

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 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.

The Ozark madtom is a freshwater fish endemic to the United States. It is one of 29 species of madtom.

References

  1. ↑ NatureServe (2013). "Noturus exilis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T202685A18235012. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T202685A18235012.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Etnier, David A.; Starnes, Wayne C. (1993). "The Fishes of Tennessee". The University of Tennessee Press: 314–315.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ Taylor, W. R. (1969). "A Revision of the Catfish Genus Noturus Rafinesque with an Analysis of Higher Groups in the Ictaluridae". United States National Museum Bulletin. 282 (282): 1–315. doi:10.5479/si.03629236.282.1.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Ross, Stephen T. (2001). The Inland Fishes of Mississippi. University Press of Mississippi. pp. 315–316.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Hardy, M. E.; Grady, J. M.; Routman, E. J. (2002). "Intraspecific phylogeography of the slender madtom: the complex evolutionary history of the Central Highlands of the United States". Molecular Ecology. 11 (11): 2393–2403. doi:10.1046/j.1365-294x.2002.01616.x. PMID   12406249. S2CID   40458876.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Vives, Stephen P. (1987). "Aspects of the Life History of the Slender Madtom Noturus exilis in Northeastern Oklahoma (Pisces: Ictaluridae)". American Midland Naturalist. 117 (1): 167–176. doi:10.2307/2425717. JSTOR   2425717.
  7. 1 2 3 Mayden, R. L.; Burr, B. M. (1981). "Life history of the slender madtom Noturus exilis, in southern Illinois (Pisces: Ictaluridae)". Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural History University of Kansas. 93: 64.
  8. ↑ Phillips, Edward; Kilambi, Raj V. (1996). "Food habits of four benthic fish species (Etheostoma spectabile, Percina caprodes, Noturus exilis, Cottus carolinae) from northwest Arkansas streams". The Southwestern Naturalist. 41 (1): 69–73.
  9. ↑ Banks, Shawn M.; DiStefano, Robert J. (2002). "Diurnal Habitat Associations of the Madtoms Noturus albater, N. exilis, N. flavater and N. flavus in Missouri Ozarks Streams". American Midland Naturalist. 148 (1): 138–145. doi:10.1674/0003-0031(2002)148[0138:DHAOTM]2.0.CO;2. S2CID   85684074.
  10. ↑ Miller, R. J.; Robison, H. W. (2004). "The fishes of Oklahoma". Oklahoma State University Press: 236.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ↑ Lyons, J.; Cochran, P. A.; Fago, D. (2000). Wisconsin fishes 2000: status and distribution. University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. p. 87.
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