Milyeringa veritas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Milyeringa veritas |
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Myleringa brooksi Chakrabarty, 2010 |
The Milyeringa veritas, also known as the blind gudgeon, is a special type of fish. It belongs to the Milyeringidae family. This fish is unique because it lives only in certain places. It is found in underground water and special cave pools in Cape Range National Park in Australia.
Like many other fish that live in caves, the blind gudgeon cannot see. It also has no color. Instead of eyes, it uses tiny bumps on its head and body called sensory papillae. These help it feel its way around and find food in the dark. The fish has very few scales on its body, and its head is almost completely smooth. It can grow to be about 5 cm long.
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Meet the Blind Gudgeon
The blind gudgeon is a fascinating fish adapted to life in total darkness. It has developed special ways to survive without sight. Its unique features help it navigate and find food in its hidden home.
Where Does It Live?
This fish is endemic, meaning it lives only in one specific area. It calls the underground water and anchialine systems of caves in the Cape Range its home. Anchialine pools are cool places where fresh groundwater mixes with salty ocean water underground.
What Does It Look Like?
The blind gudgeon is quite small, reaching about 5 cm in length. Because it lives in dark caves, it doesn't need color. It is usually pale or whitish. Its most noticeable feature is its lack of eyes. It also has very few scales, especially on its head.
What Does It Eat?
The blind gudgeon is an omnivorous fish. This means it eats both plants and animals. It feeds on algae, which are tiny plant-like organisms. It might also eat detritus, which is decaying plant and animal matter.
Its diet also includes small invertebrates. These are creatures without backbones. Examples are Stygiocaris shrimp and insect larvae like caddis flies. Sometimes, land insects like isopods, ants, and cockroaches fall into the water. The blind gudgeon will eat these too. Studies have shown that a large part of their diet can be land insects, even though they live only in caves.
How Does It Behave?
Blind gudgeons are often seen staying very still in the water. They might also rest quietly on ledges inside the caves. They show these same behaviors even when kept in aquariums. However, if they feel threatened, they can move very quickly. For example, if someone tries to catch them with a net, they will dart away fast.
Why Is It Called That?
The first part of its scientific name, Milyeringa, comes from a place called Milyering. This spot is about 20 km southwest of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse in Western Australia. This was the first place where this fish was found.
The second part of its name, veritas, is a Latin word. It means "truth." This name is a nod to an old quote from the Ancient Greek philosopher Democritus. He once said, "Truth lies at the bottom of a well." It's a clever way to name a fish that lives deep in dark, hidden waters.
Protecting the Blind Gudgeon
The blind gudgeon is listed as vulnerable under Australian law. This means its population is at risk. It needs protection to make sure it continues to survive in its unique cave habitats. Protecting its underground home is very important for its future.
