Range:
Dark Blue = Counties with designated critical habitat
Light Blue = Historical records
Comments: The Neosho madtom occurs only in the Cottonwood, Neosho and Spring rivers.
It is a small member of the catfish family that lives in loose, clean gravel where there
is noticeable flow. Gravel dredging from the riverbed of the Neosho River is restricted to
conserve this habitat for the Neosho madtom. It hides during the day and is most active in
the hours following sundown as it searches for insect larvae of caddisflies, mayflies and
midges. The Neosho madtom will grow to be 3 inches in length and has a 2-3 year lifespan.
Annual surveys are conducted at several riffle sites along the Neosho and Spring rivers to
monitor the population of this fish. It is believed that early summer high flows are
necessary for successful spawning, which do not occur as often since impoundments were
built on the Cottonwood and Neosho rivers. Beware of the sharp, pectoral spines on this
small catfish and their associated venom that help protect it from larger predators.
Kansas Wildlife Refuge Text: Ed Miller and Bob Gress Range Maps and Web Design: Jim Mason
Questions or comments? Send Email to Jim Mason
Or write us at:
Great Plains Nature Center
6232 E. 29th Street North
Wichita, KS 67220-2200
Call: 316-683-5499
Fax: 316-688-9555