Scioto Madtom
(Noturus trautmani )
The Scioto madtom is one of six small catfish known as madtoms found in Ohio. They are the only fish species in Ohio on the U.S. endangered species list.
Description
The Scioto madtom has a square tail with a dark bar or crescent in the center. They are brown in color with four distinct dark saddles across their back. The adipose fin is attached to the tail and does not have any dark pigment on the fin. The sides of their body are lighter brown, sometimes with some mottling. Their belly is white or cream colored. The rear edge of their pectoral spines are moderately serrated.
Habitat and Habits
Only 18 individuals of the Scioto madtom have ever been found. Of those, 14 were found in the fall of 1957 and none have been seen since. No other fish has been searched for more persistently by researchers in Ohio than this species. This fish has never been found outside of Ohio and all 18 individuals were found in a small area of Big Darby Creek. They were found in the tail end of riffles over a sand and gravel substrate. Since all of the individuals were found in the fall it has been speculated that they may spend the remainder of the year further up stream.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Very little is known about this species including when or where it reproduces.