How to Identify Stonecat

To identify Stonecat (Noturus flavus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsally yellowish-brown to dark brown, often mottled or speckled with darker blotches. Ventrally pale yellow to white. Fins are typically dusky, sometimes with a pale margin. Coloration can vary slightly depending on habitat and substrate.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Adipose fin broadly joined to the caudal fin, forming a continuous fin margin., Flattened head and broad mouth., Four pairs of barbels around the mouth., Pectoral and dorsal fins each possess a sharp, venomous spine.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays. The spine is venomous.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is rounded to slightly emarginate, broadly confluent with the adipose fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are broad, with a strong, serrated spine and 8-10 soft rays. The spine is venomous.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin is long and low, broadly connected to the caudal fin, a key distinguishing feature among Noturus species.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Adipose Fin

   The most reliable distinguishing feature is the adipose fin being broadly connected to the caudal fin, forming a continuous fin structure. In most other catfish, the adipose fin is separate or only narrowly joined.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Slender, somewhat flattened body with a yellowish-brown to dark brown mottled coloration, often blending with rocky substrates.

3. 3

   Head Shape

   Relatively flattened head with a broad mouth and prominent barbels.

4. 4

   Fin Spines

   Presence of sharp, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. Exercise caution when handling.

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