Cave catfish
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Clarias cavernicola Trevawas, 1936 |
The cave catfish, Clarias cavernicola, is a critically endangered species of Airbreathing catfish. They are only known to live in the Aigumas Cave, Otjozondjupa, Namibia. They appear similar to white eels, up to 16cm long. They have very small eyes, and are probably effectively blind. They feed on detritus that falls into the lake in which they live. The population is estimated at 150 individuals. Little is known about its reproduction, and attempts to breed it in captivity have failed. The population is threatened by chance events and aquifer depletion that threatens to drain the lake.
[edit] References
- Skelton (1996). Clarias cavernicola. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2c, E v2.3)
- Clarias cavernicola (TSN 681164). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 24 January 2006.
- Fishbase article
- Image at the National Museum of Namibia
- at ARKive - Images of Life on Earth