The chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus) is a critically endangered freshwater fish endemic to the U.S. state of Tennessee.
It has been observed in two streams in eastern Tennessee, Little Chucky Creek and Dunn Creek. It was described to science as a new species in 2005.Burr, B. M., D. J. Eisenhour, and J. M. Grady. 2005. Two new species of Noturus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) from the Tennessee River drainage: description, distribution, and conservation status. Copeia 2005:783-802. It is in the N. elegans clade.Egge, J. JD, Simons, Andrew M. (2009) Molecules, morphology, missing data and the phylogenetic position of a recently extinct madtom catfish (Actinopterygii: Ictaluridae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 155 60–75, .
Appearance and anatomy Chucky madtoms can grow up to 7.4 centimeters (2.9 inches).Burr, B. M., et al. (2005). Two new species of Noturus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) from the Tennessee River drainage: Description, distribution, and conservation status. Copeia 4 783.Kuhajda, B.R., George, A.L., & Chance, S. 2018. Species Biological Report for Chucky Madtom (Noturus crypticus). Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The dorsal side of this fish consists of three dark blotches with pale saddles in front of each blotch.
Distribution The chucky madtom has an extremely small distribution and is only known from two streams in the French Broad river system in eastern Tennessee. In 1940, one specimen was found in Dunn Creek in Sevier County. No other individuals have been recovered from that location despite suitable habitat and a healthy fish population, potentially indicating that the population in Dunn Creek has been extirpated. Fourteen chucky madtoms have been collected from Little Chucky Creek in Greene County, the last of which was found in 2004. It is not known why these two small streams are the only place where the species is found, as there is similar habitat along portions of the Little Chucky Creek. Further conventional capture surveys of surrounding areas with suitable habitat did not yield any more specimens. However, eDNA sampling in 2023 and 2024 detected chucky madtom DNA in both creeks, yielding the first evidence for the potential persistence of the species in decades.Paine, R.T.R., H. Swain-Menzel, A.E. Rosenberger, and A. Velasquez. 2025. O Romeo! Environmental DNA could prevent a tragedy for the elusive Chucky Madtom (Noturus crypticus). U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Cooperator Science Series FWS/CSS-169-2025, Washington, D.C. https://doi.org/10.3996/css69379551
Life history and ecology Due to the small range and lack of specimens, little is known about the life history of the chucky madtom. There is currently no information about diet, predators, spawning times, fecundity, or sex ratio. The low species count and protected status of this species makes it challenging for researchers to examine the diet of this species. Although exact life history details are unknown, the chucky madtom may exhibit some of the same life history traits as other Noturus species, including spring or summer spawning, low fecundity, cavity nesting, nest guarding, and a diet primarily consisting of aquatic macroinvertebrates.Conservation Fisheries Inc (2011) Recovery outline for Chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus) .
The chucky madtom requires clear and slow to moderate flowing water in stream runs. All collected specimens were found in areas where the dominant substrate included gravel, cobble, or rock slabs. Other fish species found during chucky madtom surveys include the central stoneroller, banded sculpin, greenside darter, redline darter, and banded darter.
Threats Threats to the chucky madtom include poor water quality, erosion, pollution (especially sedimentation), habitat degradation, and riparian habitat destruction associated with agricultural land use in the area. Moreover, non-native species such as the virile crayfish (Faxonius virilis) and Kentucky river crayfish (Faxonius juvenilis) may compete with chucky madtoms for habitat and prey upon small individuals.
Current management plan The chucky madtom was listed as a federally endangered species in 2011. Prior to federal listing, a captive breeding program was established by Conservation Fisheries, a Knoxville-based non-profit focused on captive breeding and reintroduction of non-game fish. Conservation Fisheries capture one male and one female in 2004, but was unsuccessful at captive propagation following the female's death soon after capture. No other attempts have been made to breed the species, as no individuals have been found since. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's final recovery plan for the species includes such methods as capturing and rearing broodstock, protecting and improving habitat within Little Chucky Creek, local outreach, education, and awareness.Kuhajda, B.R., George, A.L., & Chance, S. Final recovery plan for the chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus). 2018. Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A 2024 status review of the species from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended no change in status.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2024. Chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus) 5-year status review: Summary and evaluation.
References
Further reading Egge, J. JD, Simons, Andrew M. (2010) Evolution of venom delivery structures in madtom catfishes (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 102 115–129 Rakes P.L, Shute J.R (2004) [SURVEYS FOR THE CHUCKY MADTOM(Noturus sp., cf. elegans) IN LITTLE CHUCKY CREEK, GREENE COUNTY, TENNESSEE], Final report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cookeville, TN field office. Kuhaja et al. (2009) The Desperate Dozen: Southeaster Freshwater Fishes on the Brink., Southeastern fishes council proceedings 51 10–31.
External links Noturus crypticus. FishBase.