reproduction, coupled with extirpation and low tolerance, has led the smoky madtom to be federally listed as endangered. The average spawning season is between June and July. In 1982, females were found between May 13 to July 7 with distended abdomens. Each nest included up to 36 eggs, the average being 30. In 1982, the count was 35-42 eggs. Eggs have been collected in nests under large, flat, slab rocks. The smoky madtom male, like other catfish, defends its nest. The muscles of the head also swell during the breeding season. The average life expectancy is 4 years. Siltation plays a vital role in whether or not this species will reproduce. Too much silt in the water smothers the eggs. Management The restoration project in 1986 required the help of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the University of Tennessee. Since the population was so low, the risk of stocking live fish into Abrams Creek was too high. Egg masses were collected during the spawning season and reared in the lab. The young were released after one year. They were also released at night to minimize predation risk and help them get used to their surroundings. Since then, 10 to 20 clutches have been removed from Citico Creek and a total of 3,167 stocked in Abrams Creek. The average survival is 55%. Since 1990, observations of smoky madtom in Abrams Creek have been increasing. In 2002, 43 of 56 were young-of-year, indicating successful spawning. This species has been, and still is, listed as endangered. In 1984, the population was as low as 500-1000 fish due to a combination of building the Chilhowee Dam, poisoning the creek, and degrading the stream by livestock and tourists. References Noturus Endemic fauna of Tennessee Fish of the Eastern United States Freshwater fish of the United States Ecology of the Appalachian Mountains Monroe County, Tennessee Fish described in 1969 ESA endangered species