The tadpole madtom (Noturus gyrinus) is a species of fish in the family Ictaluridae.

There are also bands of melanophores on both the upper and lower jaws creating a dark horizontal streak along the side.

They also prefer habitats with turbid water; a soft mud, sand or gravel bottom; and thick vegetation to use for crypsis.

A Common food source for the tadpole madtom are immature insects and small crustaceans such as cladocera, ostracods, hyalella, and chironomids.

Researchers in Wisconsin recorded the stomach contents of numerous tadpole madtoms and found an average diet consisting of 44% insects, 28.3% small crustaceans, 18.3% oligochaetes, 5.9% plants, 3% silt and debris, 0.1% snails, and 0.1% algae.

In most areas the tadpole madtom spawn in June or July when the water temperature reaches 80 °F.

[8] Breeding males exhibit swelling of the lips and genital papillae as well as enlarged muscles on top of the head.

Breeding tadpole madtoms do not build nests, but instead rely on any present solid substrate with which to attach their eggs.

Populations in Saskatchewan, New York, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska are considered vulnerable as well.