Cat-eLog Right Ictaluridae Right Noturus  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Noturus eleutherus  Jordan, 1877
Common Names Mountain Madtom
Bjerg-giftmalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Big Pigeon River, tributary of French Broad River, [probably near Newport, Cocke County], Tennessee, U.S.A.
Pronunciation no two russ
Etymology From the Greek notos, meaning back and oura, meaning tail. In reference to the confluent adipose and caudal fins. This epithet has two possible meanings. The first possible epithet refers to the "free" (i.e. Eleutherius=Zeus=god of freedom) or incomplete fusion of the adipose and caudal fins. The second possible epithet may refer to the founder of the species, Jordan, "freeing" his specimen from the jaws of a water snake.
Down Species Information
Size 130mm or 5.1" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Robust body; fairly deep caudal peduncle.Dark brown bar on caudal fin base.Long pectoral spine with 6-10 prominent sawlike teeth on rear edge, large teeth on front edge. Brown or gray above, usually dark mottling; usually 4 vague saddles; light below.
Sexing Breeding male with swollen lips,enlarged cephalic epaxial muscles, and large bulbous gentital papilla. Female with papilla with deep median groove ending in a small bump.
General Remarks Occurs in clear, cool, rocky riffles, runs and flowing pools of creeks. This species is highly endangered.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution North America: Ohio River basin from northwestern Pennsylvania to eastern Illinois, and south to Tennessee and northern Georgia in the USA; White and St. Francis River drainages in Missouri and Arkansas, USA; Mississippi River in western Tennessee, USA; Ouachita River and Red River drainages in the USA.
Gulf Coast Drainages, Mississippi, Ohio (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Gulf Coast Drainages, Mississippi, White River (Arkansas) (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Gulf Coast Drainages, Mississippi, Saint Francis (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Gulf Coast Drainages, Mississippi (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Gulf Coast Drainages, Mississippi, Red River (Texas), Ouachita (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Gulf Coast Drainages, Mississippi, Red River (Texas) (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2012.
pH 6.2 - 7.0
Temperature 14.0-22.0°C or 57.2-71.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Highly oxygenated water a must.
Down Husbandry Information
Feeding Readily feeds on live and frozen foods. Will also adapt to flake and prepared foods for the aquarium. User data.
Furniture Provide sand mixed with peat moss, pvc pipes, flat rocks and vegetation.
Compatibility Suitable for a coldwater community tank.Ideal tank mates include small-midsized North american native fishes such as darters and shiners.
Suggested Tankmates Ideal tankmates include small to midsized North American native fishes such as darters and shiners.
Breeding Spawning occurs in the months of may-august. It is difficult in the aquarium however it has been done when wild caught specimens are added to aquariums with warmer temperatures than the river or drainage system they are captured from.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York v. 11 (nos 11-12) (art. 29), pp 371.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2019 Sep 26 14:51 (species record created: 2003 Aug 16 00:00)