Separated River Systems
The Pearl, Tombigbee, Alabama and Cahaba systems hold records, together with the Etowah and Conasauga in the upper Coosa. These are distinct populations across multiple drainage branches. A conservation statement about one population should not automatically be applied to every occurrence.
Habitat and Food
Firm gravel in river channels and larger tributaries is characteristic habitat, often with vegetation nearby. Caddisfly, mayfly, blackfly and midge larvae appear in the diet. Current and bottom conditions help explain where this small catfish finds its food.
Appearance and Size
Four dark saddles cross the stout body. The species account reports an upper size of 99 millimeters, while a separate compiled reference gives 9.5 centimeters total length. The agency measurement does not specify its length convention, so those labels remain distinct.
Name the Drainage Branch
Etowah or Conasauga is more informative than a broad southeastern location. Population identity matters when interpreting madtom records and conservation accounts.
All Lakes With Frecklebelly Madtom
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Frecklebelly Madtom records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.