Scientific Name
Noturus gladiator
Common Name
Piebald madtom
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 1;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 6-7;
Anal
soft rays: 12 - 15;
Vertebrae: 33 - 34. A member of Noturus furiosus species group distinguished from all other members by its exceptionally bold pigment pattern, with particular reference to the following markings: dark brown to black dorsal saddles highly contrasted with pale yellow to tan areas on body; posterior dark saddle passing through adipose fin extends to middle of anal fin base, posterior to terminus of caudal peduncle, forming a well-defined broad lateral band of dense pigment; dorsal fin with dark, broad submarginal and basal bands connected anteriorly via first 2-3 rays; anal fin with dark central blotch extending onto base and often connected to intense dark pigment on sides of caudal peduncle; dark, crescent-shaped midcaudal band, thickest in center where broadly joined to dark pigment on caudal peduncle. Differs also by the following combination of characters: pectoral spine with strongly de