Blind swamp eel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blind swamp eel |
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The blind swamp eel (Ophisternon infernale) is a special type of fish. It belongs to a family called Synbranchidae. This eel lives only in Mexico, deep inside dark cave systems. In Spanish, people call it anguila ciega, which means "blind eel." Sadly, experts say this unique cavefish is an "endangered" animal.
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How Did the Blind Swamp Eel Get Its Name?
A scientist named Carl Leavitt Hubbs first described the blind swamp eel in 1938. He was an ichthyologist, which means he studied fish. He found the first example of this fish two years earlier.
Hubbs first named the fish Pluto infernalis. He often gave names linked to the underworld to cave creatures. This was because they live deep underground. The word infernale comes from Latin and means "from Hell".
Later, the fish was moved to the group of swamp eels called Ophisternon. This name comes from Greek words. "Ophis" means "serpent," and "sternon" means "chest." Other old names for this eel include Furmastix infernalis and Synbranchus infernalis.
What Does the Blind Swamp Eel Look Like?
The blind swamp eel looks like a long, thin worm. It has no color, so it appears pale. It also has no scales on its body. You cannot see its eyes, as they are not visible.
Scientists think it might have come from the marbled swamp eel. Over time, it changed to live in dark caves. This eel can grow up to about 32.5 centimeters (12.8 inches) long. Its head is a bit rounded and has many tiny holes. These holes help it sense things around it.
Where Does the Blind Swamp Eel Live?
The blind swamp eel lives only in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It makes its home in freshwater sinkholes and limestone caves. You can find it in shallow water. It likes to hide in the muddy bottom or under rocks.
Scientists have only found this eel in a small number of caves. It shares its home with other cave animals. These include the Mexican blind brotula (Typhliasina pearsei). Sometimes, it also lives with a type of catfish called Rhamdia guatemalensis.
What Does the Blind Swamp Eel Eat?
The blind swamp eel has an interesting diet. It eats the waste from bats and swallows. It also feeds on small shrimp.
When it's time to have babies, the male eel digs a special burrow. He lines it with a slimy substance called mucus. The female lays her eggs in this nest. The male then stays to guard the eggs until they hatch.
Why Is the Blind Swamp Eel Endangered?
The blind swamp eel faces several big dangers. One main threat is pollution. Dirty water from sewage and waste can seep into the underground water. This harms the eel's home.
Another problem is human activity. People exploring or disturbing the caves can also hurt the eels. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says this eel is an "endangered species". This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
The area where these eels live is quite small. Experts believe their numbers have dropped a lot in the last ten years. This decline is likely to continue. This is because their habitat, or home, is getting smaller and less healthy.
