Identification
The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. Its long anal fin reaches toward the tail, and the pectoral spine bears several large teeth on the rear edge. The tiny underside dots help distinguish Brown Madtom from Freckled Madtom, which lacks that pattern there.
Size and Weight
A maximum total length of 15 cm is approximately 5.9 inches. The common-length summary gives 6.9 cm, about 2.7 inches. These measurements include the tail fin. A reliable maximum weight was not established.
Habitat and Range
Rocks, debris and undercut banks provide cover beside sandy or gravelly stream habitat. Records occur in parts of the lower Mississippi region and several nearby drainages; they do not imply a continuous population in every connecting stream.
Food and Fishing Context
A sufficiently specific diet study and a verified recreational bait method were not established for this profile. Recommendations for larger catfish are not substituted for evidence about this species.
Look Beneath the Head
Small brown dots are particularly noticeable against the paler underside of the head and belly. That pattern is an identification feature, although fin structure and the other markings should also be checked.
All Lakes With Brown Madtom
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Brown Madtom records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.