Yellowfin Madtom - Ecology

Ecology

The yellowfin madtom is a nocturnal animal and very much an opportunistic feeder. The yellowfin madtom preys on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and is able to become a scavenger. N. flavipinnis is able to survive in a wide range of environments, from small, pristine silt-free waters in Citico Creek to the larger, warm, and very silty Powell River. While no specific predator is known, the yellowfin madtom exhibits cryptic coloration and also hides itself in the daytime, both of which are predator avoidance strategies. The yellowfin madtom is an extremely nocturnal animal and has been known not to try to escape captivation. Generally, the yellowfin madtom inhabits pools and backwaters of streams no more than two meters deep. The water usually has a moderate current and is silt-less, which allows the yellowfin madtom to bury itself into the gravel and bedrock. What is thought to be one of N. flavipinnis’s biggest competitors is the closely related N. baileyi, though due to the building of a small dam in 1973 interactions between the two have lessened considerably. Both catfish are small and are found present in the same river systems with declining populations. The separation of the yellowfin madtom’s biggest competitor seems to have had negative effects on its populations as they start to compete among themselves.