About Noturus insignis (Richardson, 1836)
The margined madtom, scientifically named Noturus insignis (Richardson, 1836), has a body that is yellow to dark gray along its upper side, with a pale underside. It is slimmer than other members of the Ictaluridae family. It has a square tail, and does not have the rays that other tadpole madtoms possess. Its dorsal and anal fins are rounded. Its chin barbels are pale, while all of its other barbels are dark. Adults typically range from around 10 cm to 13 cm in length. This species’ distribution extends from Lake Ontario drainages south to Georgia. It lives in clear-water streams, where it shelters among rocks, gravel, and boulders. The margined madtom lays large quantities of eggs, which are guarded by the male parent.
