| Ozark cavefish | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Percopsiformes |
| Family: | Amblyopsidae |
| Genus: | Amblyopsis |
| Species: | A. rosae |
| Binomial name | |
| Amblyopsis rosae |
|
The Ozark cavefish, Amblyopsis rosae, is a small subterranean freshwater fish native to the United States. It has been listed as a threatened species in the United States since 1984, the IUCN lists the species as vulnerable. While the Ozark cavefish is listed as threatened by the U.S. it is listed as endangered by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The Ozark cavefish is pinkish-white and reaches a maximum length of two inches (5 cm). The head is flattened, and it has a slightly protruding lower jaw. The fish has no pelvic fin; the dorsal and anal fins are farther back than on most fish. The Ozark cave fish can receive nutrients without photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, by the tree roots above the cave. The Ozark cavefish has only rudimentary eyes and no optic nerve. The Ozark cavefish lives only in caves. It has no pigmentation and a loss of unused characters. However, it is well adapted to a cave environment through well-developed sensory papillae. They feed primarily on microscopic organisms, as well as small crustaceans and salamander larvae. The reproductive rate of Ozark cavefish is low compared to most other fish.
Caves which have populations of the Ozark cavefish all have a relatively large source of nutrients, such as bat guano or blown leaf litter. Water quality in caves that contain cavefish is usually high. Ozark cavefish are able to tolerate the extremely low oxygen content of ground water found in caves. Cavefish tend to occur in flowing cave streams as opposed to quiet pools. The ozark cave fish can receive nutrients with out photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, by the tree roots above the cave. The roots are full of nutrients and water. The roots are spreading photosynthesis the cave and organisms like Ozark cavefish and other species are able to feed off the roots. The Ozark cavefish is native to the Springfield Plateau of the (Ozark Highlands) (southwestern Missouri), northwestern (Arkansas), and northeastern (Oklahoma). Currently, 15 caves in this area have verified cavefish populations. In Oklahoma, populations are known to occur in Delaware County, (Oklahoma Delaware County). There are historical records for Ottawa and Mayes counties. Factors that have led to the decline of the Ozark cavefish include destruction of habitat, collecting of specimens, and disturbance by spelunkers.