|
Amblyopsis spelaea DeKay, 1842 |
||
|
Northern cavefish |
||
|
Common name: Northern cavefish (E); vernacular, AFS. Etymology: amblus (Gr) blunt, point taken off; ops (Gr) eyes; spelaea (L) cave. Major synonyms: Originally described as Amblyopsis spelaeus by James E. DeKay. History: This was the first troglobitic species of fish ever described in the scientific literature (Romero 2001b). |
(Drawing by E.S. Damstra, published in Romero, 2003a). |
|
| Morphological Characteristics:
It
can reach 110 mm of total length. It has a large, broad head.
Extremely small pelvic fins (rarely absent). Caudal fin with 4-6 rows of
papillae; 11-13 branched caudal rays. Fin spines/ray counts areas follows:
dorsal
spines (total): 0-0;
dorsal
soft rays (total): 9-11;
anal
spines: 0-0;
anal
soft rays: 8-11. The number of vertebrae is between 29 and 30. Troglomorphic Characters: Eye Condition: Rudimentary eyes hidden under the skin. Pigmentation: Body depigmented with non-functional pigment cells. Scales: Small cycloid. Swim (gas) bladder: No information available. |
Picture: http://luciopesce.interfree.it/zoologia/foto/pesce1.html Video: http://www.cavebiota.com/ |
|
| Distribution: USA: in about 2500 caves in Kentucky and about 1800 caves in southern Indiana (ca. 37o -39o N, 85o-87o W). Its distribution may be limited by competition with another amblyopsid cavefish, Typhlichthys subterraneus. |
 Map from: http://www.tmm.utexas.edu/tnhc/fish/maps/huggmaps/amblspel.gif |
|
|
Habitat and Ecology: It is
generally found in caves and subterranean passages of well-developed karst
terrain whose water comes from the precipitation diverted underground
through sinkholes and sinking streams. It is most often found in caves
with uniform silt-sand substrates
(Romero & Bennis 1998). The rarity of the blindfish Amblyopsis
spelaea in Mammoth Cave and its absence from adjacent areas to the north led
to speculation that it was either introduced or decimated during the long period
when blindfish were sold as curiosities. Poulson (1968) examined historical and
scientific records and found that most early records from Mammoth were for A.
spelaea, not Typhlichthys subterraneus, which also inhabits the cave.
A. spelaea was the dominant species in the Echo and Roaring River areas
around 1890, and it is still common in Roaring River. The present rarity
of A. spelaea is probably related to silting and flooding associated with
deforestation, forest fires, and Lock and Dam #6 (Poulson 1968).
|
Food and Feeding: They feed on benthic crustaceans such as amphipods (Crangonyx gracilis), isopods (Asellus stygius), decapods (Orconectes pellucidus) and non-annelids worms platyhelminthes flatworms (Phagocata subterranea). Can live for two years without food because of low metabolic rate. It is the top predator of its habitat. | |
|
Reproduction and Development: It has a well-defined annual cycle: breeding occurs during high water from February to April, the females carry the eggs in their gill cavities until hatching and carry the young until their lose their yolk sacs, a total period of 4-5 months, then the young appear in late summer and early fall. Reproductive rate is low.
|
Other Behaviors: It is scotophilic (responds to light by moving away from it, Green & Romero 1997). | |
|
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (World Conservation Monitoring Centre, WCMC) (Romero & Bennis 1998).
Major Threats: This species occupies a highly restricted habitat. Vulnerable to any disturbance in the water such as ground water pollution, sedimentation, runoff, impoundments, quarrying, and overcollecting. |
Phylogenetic relationships: No information available. | |
