Fin's Fish Guide
The Stonecat (Noturus flavus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ictaluridae that grows up to 31 cm.
North America: basins of the St Lawrence and the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and the Mississippi; stony rapids and gravel bars.
Description
The stonecat (Noturus flavus) is a small North American madtom catfish of the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and Mississippi basins, from Quebec to Alberta and south to Alabama and Oklahoma. It grows to 31 centimetres and lives on rubble and boulder riffles of creeks and rivers and on gravel shoals of lakes. The elongate, yellowish-brown body bears barbels around the mouth. A madtom has an adipose fin behind the dorsal fin; the pectoral and dorsal spines connect to a venom gland and can give a painful sting. It feeds on mayfly larvae and crayfish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stonecat?
The Stonecat has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dwarf catfish with an adipose fin and barbels; the pectoral and dorsal fin spines are connected to a venom gland.
Where does the Stonecat live?
The Stonecat lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: basins of the St Lawrence and the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and the Mississippi; stony rapids and gravel bars.
How big does the Stonecat get?
The Stonecat grows to a maximum of about 31 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Stonecat dangerous to humans?
No, the Stonecat is harmless to humans. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines connect to a venom gland and can give a painful sting. Clean the wound, let it bleed, immerse it in warm water if needed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases.
Is the Stonecat edible?
The Stonecat is rarely eaten.
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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 Stonecat?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stonecat is one of 12,519 species in the app.