Reproduction
Little is known about the Ouachita madtom's reproduction. However, on August 1, 1980, six Ouachita madtoms were collected in a stream only 3.9 feet (1.2 m) across. The six specimens were obviously young-of-the-year, and their presence raised speculations that Ouachita madtoms seek smaller streams during summer months to spawn.
Known food sources
The Ouachia madtom starts feeding around 20 to 90 minutes after sunset. The following are known sources of food:
Conservation
The Ouachita madtom was considered an Endangered Species by the IUCN in 1986 and 1988. Assessments in 1990 and 1994 showed it to be vulnerable, but it was again listed as endangered in 2010. Threats include Impoundment of water supplies, commercial gravel operations, Channelization, and changes to stream sediment load from clear cutting.
The Ouachita madtom is considered a species of greatest conservation need by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The penalties for any form of trafficking or taking of Ouachita madtoms can be as serious as a $500,000 USD fine, 1 year imprisonment, or both. In addition to the penalties listed, civil penalties may be up to US$25,000 in fines.
Article text: Wikipedia contributors, Ouachita madtom (source revision). Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Retrieved 2026-10-11.
