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Coosa or Frecklebelly Madtom, Noturus munitus

Classification
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Ictaluridae

Species description
The coloration of the frecklebelly is yellow to dark brown with dark brown mottling.  It has four dark, distinct, saddles across the back over the yellow golden color.  In front of the dorsal fin there are large light spots and dark spots on the belly.  One of the common names of this catfish comes from these small speckles located on the belly.  It has a broad dark band on dorsal fin, and like most catfish has several spines at the front of the dorsal and pectoral fins.  Overall the fish has a stout body and reaches 9.9 cm (2-3 in) long as an adult.

Life cycle
The frecklebelly spawns in late spring.  Females lay their eggs in cavities, which are guarded by males until the eggs hatch and the young disperse.

Natural history
This small catfish is often found near vegetation in rocky riffles and swift runs of medium to large-sized rivers.  Individuals are found near clumps of aquatic weeds or under large rocks.  The frecklebelly prefers substrates of rubble, pebbles, large gravel, and cobble.  They are thought to feed on aquatic insect larvae and have a lifespan of four to five years.

Range
This small catfish is endemic to the Coosa River Basin.  In Georgia, the frecklebelly madtom is only found the Etowah river upstream from Allatoona Reservoir and in the upper Conasauga River in Murray and Whitfield counties.

Conservation status
The frecklebelly madtom is currently on Georgia’s endangered species list.

Similar species
A similar species is the northern madtom (Noturus stigmosus), but the northern madtom lacks spots on the belly.

Text by:
Elizabeth Reitz - GA MNH / UGA, Athens, GA

Poster Concept and Design:
Paul D. Johnson - Concept, TNARI, Cohutta, GA
Jeffrey C. Worley - Design, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN