Distribution, Biology, and Conservation Status 
of the Carolina Madtom, Noturus furiosus , 
an Endemic North Carolina Catfish 
Brooks M. Burr, Bernard R. Kuhajda, Walter W. Dimmick, 
and James M. Grady 
Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, 
Carbondale, Illinois 62901 
ABSTRACT . — Noturus furiosus is endemic to the Tar and Neuse 
river drainages, North Carolina, where it occurs in medium- to large- 
size streams over sand, gravel, and detritus substrates. Because of its 
endemicity and relatively limited distribution, N. furiosus became a 
candidate for pre-listing studies by the Office of Endangered Species, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Recent survey work throughout the 
Tar and Neuse rivers indicates that N. furiosus is reproducing and 
undergoing recruitment at several localities. However, numerous 
proposed projects and several recently constructed reservoirs pose 
threats to the continued successful existence of this madtom. 
Aspects of the general biology of N. furiosus were analyzed from 
326 preserved specimens from both the Tar and Neuse river drainages. 
Individuals live at least 4 years. The largest specimens seen were 101 
mm SL (male) and 98 mm SL (female). Females mature at 2 to 3 years 
and a mean SL of 75 mm. Mature oocytes, produced seasonally, 
ranged from 79 to 298 (x = 126.3; N = 17) per female. Five nests, each 
containing a clutch of embryos or larvae and guarded by a male, were 
found in cans and bottles in pools or runs. All males guarding broods 
were 3 to 4 years old and ranged in SL from 63 to 101 mm (x = 89.8). 
Nests were observed in May at water temperatures of 20-25° C. Clutch 
sizes ranged from 139 to 171+; embryos were spherical and light 
yellow with yolk diameters averaging 3.2 mm. At about 1 day post- 
hatching, larvae ranged from 9.1 to 10.0 mm TL; larval features were 
similar to those described for other ictalurids. Stomachs of adults and 
juveniles contained a variety of benthic organisms, but dipteran, 
trichopteran, ephemeropteran, coleopteran, and odonate larvae or 
nymphs composed more than 95% of the total food organisms 
consumed. 
The Carolina madtom, Noturus furiosus Jordan and Meek, is a 
moderate-sized, boldly patterned catfish (Fig. 1) that is endemic to the 
Tar and Neuse river drainages, North Carolina. It has remained poorly 
known since its original description. Jordan and Meek (in Jordan 1889) 
noted that “numerous specimens were taken” of N. furiosus (actually 
fewer than 20), but did not comment further on its abundance. Bailey et 
al. (1977) assigned N. furiosus a conservation status category of special 
Brimleyana No. 15:57-86, January 1989 
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