Status: Threatened (55 FR 21148; May 22, 1990). Critical habitat has not been designated.
Description: The Neosho madtom (see image on right; click on image to see a larger version) has features characteristic of all North American catfish, including
scaleless skin and a relatively large head with sensory barbels. Adult Neosho madtoms average less than three
inches (8 cm) in length. They have a brownish midline stripe and an overall mottled appearance. The light-colored
edge of the adipose fin is the best characteristic to distinguish it from similar species.
Life History: Neosho madtoms are short-lived fish, only occasionally surviving more than three years.
Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Neosho madtom. They are believed to spawn in June and July.
In closely related species, eggs are laid under small stones, and the eggs and sometimes young fish are guarded
by a parent. Adults will bury themselves in the gravel during the day and come out to feed at night. Larval, aquatic
insects are the major food source of Neosho madtoms.
Habitat: The preferred habitat of adult Neosho madtoms is shallow riffles with loose, uncompacted
gravel bottoms. They are occasionally found in areas with sandy bottoms covered with leaf litter. Young Neosho
madtoms may be found in deeper pools, downstream from riffles.
Distribution: Historically, the Neosho madtom was found in the Neosho, Cottonwood, Spring, and
Illinois Rivers in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It is believed to be no longer present in the Illinois River and
scattered through the rest of its historic range. In Oklahoma, it is present only in Ottawa and Craig counties.
Causes of Decline: The Neosho madtom has declined due to habitat destruction. Construction of dams,
dredging of gravel, and an increase in water demands have contributed to habitat loss. Pollution from cattle feedlot
runoff has adversely affected the fish as well.
Recovery Needs: Top recovery tasks for the Neosho madtom include further investigations on the
biology of the fish, protecting current populations, and developing a reintroduction plan.
Other information: The recovery plan for the Neosho madtom was approved in September of 1991.
Photo by Daniel Fenner; Information current as of October 1997
