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Caddo madtom (Noturus taylori) — Ictaluridae

Caddo madtom

Noturus taylori
Family: Ictaluridae

The Caddo madtom (Noturus taylori) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The Caddo madtom is a small madtom catfish (Ictaluridae) from clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers of the southern United States. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a smooth, scaleless, brown body with barbels around the mouth and an adipose fin merging into the tail. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters under stones by day and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The pectoral spines bear a venom gland that gives a painful, burning sting.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Caddo madtom?

The Caddo madtom has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Caddo madtom live?

The Caddo madtom lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: USA

How big does the Caddo madtom get?

The Caddo madtom grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Caddo madtom dangerous to humans?

The Caddo madtom is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

More photos

Caddo madtom (Noturus taylori) — Ictaluridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) moose439, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Caddo madtom (Noturus taylori) — Ictaluridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Yinan Li, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Caddo madtom (Noturus taylori) — Ictaluridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) fishecke, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Caddo madtom (Noturus taylori) — Ictaluridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) aaron brady, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Caddo madtom sourced
Scientific name
Noturus taylori
Family
Ictaluridae
Other names
Caddo madtom verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.7 verified
Average length (cm)
3.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Noturus

More from the family Ictaluridae

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