Noturus fasciatus
Saddled madtom
Larry Page
Identification
The Saddled Madtom has a long, slender body that is dark brown above and has 3 or 4 prominent ivory to yellow saddles alternating with dark saddles. A brown blotch on the base of the dorsal fin extends up the front edge of the fin. There is no black blotch at the top of the dorsal fin. A dark blotch in the adipose fin extends to, or nearly to, the edge of the fin. There is a large dark bar on the caudal fin base, and 2 or 3 dark bands on the caudal fin: 1 in the middle of the fin and 1 or 2 near the edge. The origin of the adipose fin is over the anal fin, and the adipose fin is joined to the caudal fin. The short pectoral spine has 6-9 large teeth on the rear edge and small teeth along the front. The caudal fin has a straight edge or is slightly rounded. There are usually 17-18 anal rays. To 3 1/4 in. (8.5 cm) total length.
Range
The Saddled Madtom is found in the Duck River system and nearby tributaries of the Tennessee River in Hardin and Wayne counties, Tennessee. The species is uncommon.
Distribution of Noturus fasciatus. © Larry Page
Habitat
The Saddled Madtom lives in rocky riffles, runs and flowing pools of clear creeks and small rivers.
Similar Species
The Elegant Madtom, N. elegans, and the Chucky Madtom, N. crypticus, lack large dark bar on caudal fin base, have less prominent saddles, dark blotch confined to lower half of adipose fin. Chucky Madtom also has long adipose fin beginning at dorsal fin, prominent black specks on cheek, usually 16 anal rays.
Title Illustrations
| Scientific Name | Noturus fasciatus |
|---|---|
| Location | Brushy Fork Creek at State Rd. 48, Hickman Co., TN |
| Specimen Condition | Dead Specimen |
| Identified By | David & Lynn Eisenhour |
| Life Cycle Stage | Adult |
| Size | 47 mm SL |
| Copyright |
©
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About This Page
Larry Page
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida, USA
Correspondence regarding this page should be directed to Larry Page at and Griffin Sheehy at
Page copyright © 2007 Larry Page
All Rights Reserved.
- First online 23 May 2007
- Content changed 23 May 2007
Citing this page:
Page, Larry. 2007. Noturus fasciatus . Saddled madtom. Version 23 May 2007 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Noturus_fasciatus/69890/2007.05.23 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
