Talk:Brown madtom

Noturus phaeus

Description The brown madtom (Noturus phaeus) belongs to the Family Ictaluridae. This species is unusually dark gray or brown with an elongate anal fin consisting of 19-26 rays. Noturus phaeus has several serrae on the central portion of the posterior pectoral spine. Typically, a heavy and elaborate body and a slightly rounded head.The ventral areas are lighter and consists of large chromatophores and the upper area is usually darker. Specimens can measure up to 150 mm (6 inches) in total length.

Diet Noturus phaeus are nocturnal feeders who feed on mainly dipteran larvae, trichopoteran larvae and decapods (crawfish).

Habitat Noturus phaeus inhabits sandy and gravelly rifles and runs among debris, rocks and undercutbanks of springs, creeks and small rivers.[3] In northern Mississippi, woody debris and undercut banks were primary daytime michrohabitats and individuals were in areas with complex flow. However, none could be found in the absence of debris, aquatic vegetation or undercut banks.

Distribution Notorus phaeus is found in the lower Mississippi Valley of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and in Bayou Treche of Louisiana [4]. You can find it in the streams and crooks of the Red, Ouachita and Little River drainages. The occurence in Bayou Teche is a result of diversions of streams from the Red River. It has also been taken from Sandy Creek, a tributary to the Sabine River.

Etymology It's name originates from the Greek word Notos, meaning back and the Greek word Oura, meaning tail,in reference to the confluent adipose and caudal fins.[5] This specific epithet refers to the sometime-hue of twilight (brown), which is the color of the specimen.

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madtom