Tadpole Madtom
Noturus gyrinus
Family: Ictaluridae
Identification: Chubby body. Terminal mouth with equal jaws. No sawlike teeth on rear of pectoral spine. Nearly uniform light tan or brown body; dark gray veinlike line along side. Rear edge of caudal fin rounded. Gold-yellow to chocolate brown above; light below; uniform gray to brown fins. 13-18 anal rays. To 5in.
Range: Common among Eastern U.S. except for Appalachian Mountain drainages.
Habitat: Rock-, mud-, detritus- bottomed pools and backwaters of lowland creeks and small to large rivers; lakes.
Similar species: Ouachita, Broadtail, and Speckled Madtoms.
Petersons Field Guide: Freshwater Fishes