Fin's Fish Guide
The Brindled madtom (Noturus miurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The brindled madtom is a small catfish of the madtom family (Ictaluridae) from the eastern and central United States. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a stocky body with a mottled, blotched pattern, barbels and an adipose fin joined to the tail fin. It inhabits riffles, pools below them and runs over gravel, often near woody debris. As a nocturnal bottom searcher it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. Madtoms have a venom gland at the pectoral spines; a sting gives a painful, burning wound, similar to a wasp sting. Therefore handle the fish with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brindled madtom?
The Brindled madtom has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Blotched pattern and a venom gland at the pectoral fin spines (a sting like a wasp sting); nocturnal.
Where does the Brindled madtom live?
The Brindled madtom lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern and central US; riffles and runs over gravel.
How big does the Brindled madtom get?
The Brindled madtom grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Brindled madtom dangerous to humans?
No, the Brindled madtom is harmless to humans. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Brindled madtom edible?
The Brindled madtom is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Brindled madtom?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brindled madtom is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Noturus
More from the family Ictaluridae
Want the complete picture on the Brindled madtom?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brindled madtom is one of 12,519 species in the app.