Waterfall climbing cave fish facts for kids
The waterfall climbing cave fish (Cryptotora thamicola), also known as the cave angel fish, is a very special type of fish. It lives only in Thailand, deep inside caves. This fish is famous because it can use its fins to grab onto rocks and climb waterfalls! It's the only known fish in its group, called a genus.
Quick facts for kids Waterfall climbing cave fish |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cryptotora
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| Species: |
thamicola
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| Synonyms | |
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Homaloptera thamicola Kottelat, 1988 |
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Contents
Discovering the Cave Angel Fish
This amazing fish is a type of hillstream loach. It is also a troglobitic animal, which means it lives its whole life in dark caves. The waterfall climbing cave fish can grow to about 2.8 centimetres (1.1 in) long.
Where Does This Fish Live?
This fish lives only in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. It has been found in eight different underground spots. These spots are all part of a big system of caves. The fish lives in places like the Susa cave and Tham Mae Lana cave. Scientists think it might live in other nearby caves too.
Life in the Dark
Like many animals that live in caves, this fish has no color. It looks pale or white. It also has no visible eyes because it doesn't need them in the dark. Another type of underground fish, Schistura oedipus, lives in the same caves.
The waterfall climbing cave fish loves fast-flowing water. It lives deep inside the caves, often more than 500 meters from the entrance. It eats tiny living things and other organic bits found in the cave water. This fish is very sensitive to changes in its home. It needs clean water and a stable environment to survive.
How This Fish Walks
In 2016, scientists made an exciting discovery about this fish. They found that it can walk! It moves in a special way, similar to how four-legged animals (like dogs or cats) walk. This is called a tetrapod-like gait.
Unique Body Structure
The fish has a strong pelvic girdle. This is like a hip bone structure. What's amazing is that its pelvic girdle is connected to its vertebral column (backbone). This connection helps the fish push off surfaces. It allows the fish to climb and move on land, even up waterfalls!
Protecting the Waterfall Climbing Cave Fish
This special fish is protected by law in Thailand. It lives inside a National Park called Pai Basin National Park. However, even with protection, the fish faces some dangers.
Threats to Its Home
- Farm Pollution: Water from farms can flow into the caves. This pollution can harm the fish and its food.
- Tourism: Some of the caves where the fish lives are popular for visitors. Too many people can disturb the fish's habitat.
- Deforestation: Cutting down trees nearby can also affect the caves. It can change the water flow and quality.
Scientists and park officials are working to make sure this unique fish stays safe. They want to protect its home from these threats.
