Northern cavefish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern cavefish |
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|---|---|
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amblyopsis
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| Species: |
spelaea
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The northern cavefish (scientific name: Amblyopsis spelaea) is a special type of fish that lives only in dark caves. You can find these fish in caves across Kentucky and southern Indiana.
This unique fish is considered a threatened species in the United States. The IUCN, a group that tracks how safe animals are, lists it as "near threatened." This means it's important to protect them and their cave homes.
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What is the Northern Cavefish?
The northern cavefish is also sometimes called the northern blindfish. This name makes sense because these fish live in total darkness and have lost their eyesight over many generations. Instead of eyes, they use other senses to find their way around and hunt for food.
They are part of a group of fish known as cavefish, which are animals specially adapted to life underground. These fish have unique features that help them survive in their dark, watery environments.
Where Do They Live?
Northern cavefish make their homes in the underground rivers and pools found within caves. These caves are mostly located in the states of Kentucky and Indiana. They need clean, stable water conditions to survive.
One famous place where they live is the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. This park is known for having the longest cave system in the world. It provides a perfect habitat for many cave-dwelling creatures, including the northern cavefish.
Discovering New Species
For a long time, scientists thought all northern cavefish were the same species. However, in 2013, a study looked closely at Amblyopsis spelaea. They found that the fish were actually divided into two different groups. These groups had evolved separately over a long time.
One group lived north of the Ohio River, mainly in Indiana. The other group lived south of the river, in Kentucky.
The Hoosier Cavefish
Because of these new findings, the northern group of fish was given a new scientific name. In 2014, scientists officially named them Amblyopsis hoosieri. The southern group kept the original name, Amblyopsis spelaea.
This discovery was published in a science journal called ZooKeys. It showed that even animals that look similar can be different species. Neither of these cavefish species is found north of the White River in Indiana. This river flows from east to west, just south of Bedford, Indiana.
Protecting the Northern Cavefish
Since the northern cavefish is listed as threatened, efforts are being made to protect it. Protecting their cave habitats is very important. This includes keeping the water clean and undisturbed.
Scientists continue to study these fascinating fish. Learning more about them helps us understand how to keep them safe for the future. Their unique adaptations make them a valuable part of the natural world.
