Typhleotris madagascariensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Typhleotris madagascariensis |
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| Typhleotris madagascariensis in the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park | |
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The Typhleotris madagascariensis is a special kind of fish. It belongs to the Milyeringidae family. This fish lives only in Madagascar, an island country. You can find it only in underground waters. These waters are in the southwestern part of the island. This fish is a true cavefish. It cannot see because it is blind. It also has no color, so it looks pale. This fish can grow up to about 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) long.
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Where This Fish Lives
This unique fish lives in more than 10 caves and sinkholes. These places are in the Mahafaly Plateau region of Madagascar. The water in these caves is usually warm. It ranges from about 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The water is also slightly basic, which means it is not acidic.
How Many Fish Are There?
Scientists once thought this fish was very rare. It was considered an endangered species. This was because it lived in only a small area. Also, earlier studies did not find many of them.
However, recent studies have found good news! The T. madagascariensis is actually quite common in some places. You can find many of them in caves like Andranoilove, Andriamaniloke, Lalia, and Mitoho.
Other Fish in the Caves
In the southern part of its home, T. madagascariensis lives alongside another fish. This other fish is called T. mararybe. The T. mararybe is not as common or spread out as T. madagascariensis.
What This Fish Eats
The T. madagascariensis is a predator. It eats different kinds of small creatures. These small creatures are called invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without backbones, like insects or worms.
Protecting the Fish
Some of the limestone caves where this fish lives are protected. They are part of the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. This park helps keep the fish and its home safe. The Mitoho Grotto is one of these protected caves. It is also a place tourists can visit.
What Scientists Are Doing
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) currently lists this fish as endangered. But they also say more research is needed. Scientists want to know if the fish in different caves are all the same species. If they are not connected, they might be different species. If this is true, then each separate species would be in even more danger. They might even be "Critically Endangered." This means they would be very close to disappearing forever.
