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The Least Madtom

Least Madtom is a small catfish of Mississippi-draining lowland streams. Clear riffles and runs with sand, rock and debris provide its recorded habitat.

Drainage Range

Records extend from the North Fork Obion region toward the Homochitto system. The species is Noturus hildebrandi, a particular small catfish rather than a name for any juvenile catfish. Tributary information is useful where several madtoms occur in the broader region.

Current and Cover

Fish occupy riffles and runs in lowland creeks over sand or rock, often with debris nearby. Cover and moving water are compatible parts of this setting. A piece of wood within a run should not turn the habitat description into an exclusively still-water account.

Food and Size

Midge, caddisfly, mayfly and stonefly larvae are recorded foods. The maximum reference is 6.9 centimeters total length, with a common value of 3.7 centimeters. A complete side image, head detail and locality help distinguish this naturally small catfish from young individuals of larger species.

Small Does Not Mean Juvenile

Least Madtom is a small species in its own right. Keep its scientific identity separate from a generic description of a baby catfish.

All Lakes With Least Madtom

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Least 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.

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