Rare Freshwater Fishes
Often overlooked, North Carolina’s freshwater fishes are vital to a thriving aquatic ecosystems and worthy of protection. With 39% of our native freshwater fishes being imperiled, propagation is one tool to help conserve these species.
Our species
At YMACC, we work with three imperiled species
01
Carolina Madtom
Noturus furiosus
The Carolina Madtom is a federally endangered species endemic to the Neuse and Tar River Basins in North Carolina. Primary threats include the invasive Flathead Catfish, poor water quality, and habitat loss through channel erosion and sedimentation.
02
Cape Fear Shiner
Miniellus mekistocholas
The Cape Fear Shiner is a federally endangered minnow species found only in the central part of the Cape Fear River Basin. They require clean water and rocky shoals and are highly associated with stands of American Water Willow. Primary threats include sedimentation, poor water quality and invasive Flathead Catfish.
03
Broadtail Madtom
Noturus sp.
The Broadtail Madtom is an undescribed species group (believed to be 3 separate species) that inhabits the Sandhill and Coastal Plain regions within the Waccamaw, Lumber, and Pee Dee River Basins. This small and secretive fish is one of the species we are beginning to study here.
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Help us protect what can’t speak for itself. Your support directly supports conservation, research, and the protection of vulnerable species.