Mexican blindcat

Prietella phreatophila

The Mexican blindcat, in Spanish ''bagre de muzquiz'', is a species of North American freshwater catfish . Until recently, it was believed to be endemic to Coahuila in the Rio Bravo drainage in northern Mexico; however, in 2016 the species was reported from the Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas, following earlier, unconfirmed sightings of blind, white catfish in the area. The captured specimens were brought to the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.
Mexican Blindcats (Prietella phreatophila) endemic to an aquifer below Mexico and the United States. Mexican blindcats of the genus Prietella are endemic to Mexico. This is Prietella phreatophila. They are only found in subterranean bodies of water. Changes in body form for life underground include the loss of eyes and pigment. The fish relies on its lateral line system to detect and locate prey items, rather than vision. I thank Dean Hendrickson for allowing me to photograph these specimens, 2009. IUCN EN endangered,Ictaluridae,Life in the dark,Mexican cave species,Prietella phreatophila,Troglobitic,adaptation,cave fauna,cave salamander,endemic fauna,stygobite,stygobitic,subterranean life,threatened taxa,troglobite,troglomorphic,troglomorphy

Appearance

This fish is pinkish white in color and has no eyes. It grows up to 9.2 cm in total length. The dorsal fin has no spine. The adipose fin is joined to the caudal fin, which is unforked.

Status

The species lives only in subterranean waters and can be encountered in caves and wells. In Mexico, it is known from 12 locations. It is threatened by pollution of the groundwater and groundwater extraction.

Habitat

The species lives only in subterranean waters and can be encountered in caves and wells. In Mexico, it is known from 12 locations. It is threatened by pollution of the groundwater and groundwater extraction.

References:

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Status: Endangered
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderSiluriformes
FamilyIctaluridae
GenusPrietella
SpeciesP. phreatophila
Photographed in
Mexico