Brindled Madtom

Noturus miurus is a small, well-camouflaged madtom catfish found in fast-flowing, rocky, and gravel-bottomed streams of the Mississippi and Ohio drainages. Its name refers to its brindled pattern of dark and light mottling, which provides exceptional camouflage against varied stream substrate. The distinctive dark saddle blotch at the base of the dorsal fin is a key identification feature. Like all madtoms, it shelters under flat rocks by day and forages at night.

In the aquarium, Brindled Madtoms require clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate current and a substrate of gravel and flat stones. Provide multiple flat rock shelters — the fish will promptly take up residence under whichever best fits its body size. They are peaceful toward other similarly sized species that do not compete for the same substrate shelter.

They feed reliably on live and frozen invertebrates and can be conditioned to sinking carnivore pellets offered at feeding time in the evening. Their interesting nesting behaviour and nocturnal activity patterns make them a rewarding species for the patient native fish keeper.

Water: 12–22 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, moderate hardness; clean fast-flowing water, high oxygen. Tank: 80 L minimum; flat rocks, gravel substrate, minimal silt; good current. Feeding: Live/frozen invertebrates, worms; sinking pellets and tablets at dusk. Breeding: Nests under flat rocks; male guards eggs vigorously; clay tile shelters as spawning sites. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive during spawning; peacefully coexists with darters and small stream fish otherwise.