Riverine Fish

Ohio is blessed with an abundance of water, but like all developing areas, past and present land use practices affect our water resources.

Land uses that allow soil to runoff into our waterways cause silting of streams and increased turbidity, which can result in a lower quality of water and thus a loss in the diversity of aquatic organisms.

Fish have specific habitat requirements, thus the health of a fish community can tell us a great deal about the quality of the waterway where they reside.

Riverine Fish of Ohio's Scenic Rivers

Brindled Madtom (Noturis miuris)

brindled madtomAn inhabitant of sluggish pools and low gradient streams, this small member of the catfish family is widely distributed throughout Ohio.

Preferred habitats include substrates composed of sands and clean organic debris free from silts and clays. They spend their daylight hours hiding under rocks or organic debris such as sunken logs, twigs, or root wads.

In the fall of the year they can often be found hiding in beds of submerged leaves. They are most active at night where they can be found hunting for aquatic insects and small fish in pools and riffles.

Many populations, particularly in northwestern Ohio have been extirpated as a consequence of siltation and other forms of habitat degradation.

As with other members of the genus Noturus, the brindled madtom is equipped with a pair of sharp, serrated pectoral spines for defensive purposes. A poison gland situated at the base of each spine helps ensure a painful sting for anyone who handles one of these fish to carelessly.