|
Lucifuga subterraneus Poey, 1858 |
|
Cuban cusk-eel |
Common Name: Cuban cusk-eel
(E).
Etymology: fugere lucem
(L) because it is photophobic; subterraneus (L) underground.
Major Synonyms: None.
History: The first person to report this fish was Tranquilino
Sandalio de Noda in 1831, which predates the first reports of
Amblyopsis spelaea. Through him and others, Poey secured the
specimens he used in his first published description (Romero 2001). |
|
|
|
Morphological Characteristics:
Troglomorphic Characters:
Eye Condition:
Eyes poorly developed and not externally visible in many preserved
specimens.
Pigmentation: Yellowish-white pigmentation.
Scales: The body is covered with small, imbricate scales.
Swim (gas) bladder: |
|
|
|
Distribution:
Cuba: in several anchialine caves of the Pinar del Rio and Habana
provinces (ca. 21o 50' N, 84o 57' W).
|
|
|
| Habitat and
Ecology: In caves and sink_holes formed by solution of underlying
limestone. Frequently found syntopically with L. dentatus.
It can tolerate brackish waters. |
|
Food and Feeding: It feeds on
cirolanid isopods. |
| Reproduction and Development: |
|
Other Behaviors: |
|
Conservation
Status: Vulnerable.
Major Threats: |
|
Conservation Plans: |
| Phylogenetic Relationships:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|