The speckled madtom is a dark reddish-brown color and has a dusky or mottled caudal fin with a pale border.

The species is found in abundance throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

During the day speckled madtoms will rest in areas with aquatic vegetation such as pondweed or burweed.

The only known predators of the speckled madtom are the rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) and larger Noturus species.

[7] In order to protect themselves from predation, all Noturus species have developed a venomous sting from their pectoral spines; however, the speckled madtom has a relatively low level of toxicity.

The speckled madtom is known to nest inside of discarded cans and bottles that are cleared of debris and silt by the male.