The frecklebelly madtom (Noturus munitus) is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae endemic to the United States.

In 2023, the Upper Coosa River distinct population segment (DPS) of N. munitus was listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

[6] The species lives exclusively in medium to large rivers free of sedimentation and over gravel shoals.

[6] The species lives exclusively in medium to large rivers free of sedimentation and over gravel shoals.

The loss of gravel substrates and increased levels of sedimentation due to poor agricultural practices have also affected the species.

[7] Since N. munitus is an opportunistic insectivore, like most of these fish, competition for food may be present in the ecology of the species.

The male then protects the eggs from predators and keeps them clean until they hatch; sedimentation plays a big role in the decline of the species.

[6] Of the 29 Noturus species, more than 50% are considered vulnerable, imperiled, or extinct, and many are likely in need of conservation action due to small ranges and increasing anthropogenic threats,[8] such as: water impoundment, channelization, gravel mining, dredging, and siltation.