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Ophisternon infernale
(Hubbs, 1938) |
Blind swamp eel
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Common Name: Blind swamp eel
(E), anguila ciega de los cenotes (S).
Etymology: infernale
(L) from hell (Hubbs liked to name cave fishes with diabolic names based
on the idea of hell being underground; see etymology for Satan
eurystomus).
Major Synonyms: Pluto infernalis
(original description); Furmastix infernalis (Whitley 1951b);
Synbranchus infernalis (Mees 1962).
History: The holotype was collected by A. S. Pearse on 7 July
1936. |
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Morphological Characteristics:
Troglomorphic Characters:
Eye Condition:
No externally visible eyes.
Pigmentation:
Depigmented.
Scales:
Scaleless.
Swim (gas)
bladder:
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Distribution:
Mexico: In the cenotes of central and northern Yucatan peninsula (see
Chumba-Segura 1984 for distributional
map) (ca. 20o40' N, 88o30' W). |
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| Habitat and
Ecology: Found in shallow waters of sinkholes with sediments
that are nutrient-rich. |
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Food and Feeding: |
| Reproduction and Development: |
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Other Behaviors: |
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Conservation
Status: Endangered.
Major Threats: |
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Conservation Plans: |
| Phylogenetic Relationships:
Most likely is derived from Synbranchus marmoratus. |
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