|
Triplophysa shilinensis
(Chu & Yang in Chen, Yang and Xu, 1992) |
|
Blind loach |
Common Name:
Blind loach (E).
Etymology: shilinensis
(L) for the words Shi Lin which in Chinese means ‘Stone Forest,’ the name
of the general area where this species is found.
Major Synonyms: None.
History: The first two specimens were collected by the
authors describing the species on 18 March 1991. |
|
|
|
Morphological Characteristics:
Troglomorphic Characters:
Eye Condition:
Eyes completely degenerated.
Pigmentation: Completely depigmented; body described as
‘translucent.’
Scales: Scaleless.
Swim (gas) bladder: Posterior chamber of air bladder reduced, and
anterior chamber enclosed in a bony capsule. |
|
|
|
Distribution:
China: Yunnan: Lunan county: cave at Weiboyi village near Stone Forest (24o
47' N, 103o 22' E). |
|
|
| Habitat and
Ecology: The cave has a funnel-like opening and goes down vertically
for 109 m before it reaches a horizontal river where this fish can be
found. |
|
Food and Feeding:
Insects have been found in their stomach contents. |
| Reproduction and Development: |
|
Other Behaviors: |
|
Conservation
Status:
Major Threats: |
|
Conservation Plans: |
| Phylogenetic Relationships:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|