KANSAS THREATENED £39 ENDANGERED SPECIES NEOSHO MADTOM (Noturus placidus) STATUS: Endangered in Kansas; Not on National List. (Drawing from " Fishes in Kansas" by Frank B. Cross and Joseph T. Collins. 1975.) DESCRIPTION is known from only one collection from the Spring River in Missouri, near the Kansas border, and collec­ The Neosho Madtom is a three inch long member tions from the Neosho (Grand) River in Oklahoma. of the catfish family. It is a small, mottled dark/light Kansas supports virtually the total known population brown madtom with pale bars on the tail fin. Dorsal of Neosho Madtoms. and anal fins have dusky streaks but are not black tipped. The dark blotch on the adipose fin does not REASONS FOR DECLINE extend to its margin. The upper jaw protrudes be­ yond the lower jaw. Increased siltation and chemical pollution from agricultural practices, streambed alteration, removal LIFE HISTORY of gravel from riverbed gravel bars, and the construc­ tion of reservoirs are believed to be major causes of Virtually nothing is known concerning its repro­ the population reduction. duction, food habits or life history. MANAGEMENT v HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION The following practices are recommended: The Neosho Madtom inhabits gravelly or rocky riffles and areas along sloping gravel bars in strong 1. Avoidance of gravel removal from gravel currents. Deep loose deposits of coarse rounded lime­ bars. stone gravel seems to be preferred. 2. Control of pollution. In Kansas the Neosho Madtom is known only from 3. Improved erosion control from agriculture the mainstem of the Neosho River and the lower farmland that drains into these rivers. reaches of its tributaries, the Cottonwood and Spring 4. Careful consideration of any additional rivers. Its total range is smaller than the range of any impoundments on these rivers. other fish that inhabits Kansas. Outside of Kansas it Do something WILD: Nongame depends on your contribution. Mark the Chickadee Check-off on your state income tax. NEOSHO MADTOM (Noturus placidus) ▲ — Known Locations Probable Range — Mainstem of Neosho, Cottonwood, & Spring Rivers (Current as of Sep+.1981).