Iowa DNR
BioNet
River & Stream Biological Monitoring
Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Surveys
Physical Habitat Assessments

Freckled Madtom Noturus nocturnus

Family
Ictaluridae (North American Catfishes)
Tolerance
Intermediate
Trophic Class
Benthic Invertivore
Is Exotic to Iowa?
False
Is Lithophilous Spawner?
False
Is Hybrid?
False
State Listing Status
Endangered
Assessment Program Statistics

This species was found at 7 bioassessment sites, 0 rapid fish bioassessment sites, 0 fisheries assessment sites, and 0 fisheries presence-only assessment sites. In total, it was collected at 7 distinct sites, or 0.5% of the 1512 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 111th most commonly collected species.

The Freckled Madtom was collected in 12 bioassessment sampling sessions and 0 fisheries assessment sessions. It was present in 0 rapid bioassessment sessions and 0 presence-only sessions.

The biological assessment program has collected a total of 20 individual Freckled Madtom specimens, ranking it the #114 most collected fish.

Species Characteristics

The color varies from yellow to dark brown with dark freckles on the lower lip and chin. The upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw, and the pectoral spines lack anterior serrae. There are 15 to 20, usually no more than 18 anal rays. The caudal fin is usually darker than the other fins. Posterior corners of the premaxillary tooth band are rounded or sometimes obtusely angled. Freckled Madtoms are rarely more than 4-inches long.

Species Distribution Maps

HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found