The Stonecat or Noturus flavus is one of the more common species of Catfish. It is widely distributed throughout North America in places like the Hudson River, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and Mississippi River basin. This freshwater fish is often found in and around large rocks, hence their name the Stonecat. Be careful if you catch one of these fish they have poison glands at the base of their pectoral and dorsal fin spines that can cause an unpleasant sting if they puncture the skin.
Stonecats can grow to about 12" in length and will live to about 9 years old. They are olive in color and often have a white spot on the upper part of their caudal fin. Like other species of Madtoms, they mainly feed on larvae, fish eggs, worms, minnows, amphipods and the occasional crayfish.
Spawning of the Stonecat fish occurs in the 3rd or 4th year of life. The male will guard the nest which is often made under large rocks. If you have any additional information about the Stonecat please leave us a comment below.
No comments:
Post a Comment