Prietella phreatophila
| Prietella phreatophila | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Ictaluridae |
| Genus: | Prietella |
| Species: | P. phreatophila |
| Binomial name | |
| Prietella phreatophila Carranza, 1954 | |
The Mexican blindcat (Prietella phreatophila), in Spanish bagre de muzquiz, is a species of North American freshwater catfish (family Ictaluridae).[1][2] Until recently, it was believed to be endemic to Coahuila in the Rio Bravo drainage in northern Mexico;[1][2] however, the species was reported from the Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas, in 2016. This follows earlier, unconfirmed sightings of blind, white catfish in the area. The captured specimens were brought to the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.[3]
Habitat and conservation
The species lives only in subterranean waters and can be encountered in caves and wells.[3][2] In Mexico, it is known from several locations.[4] It is threatened by pollution of the groundwater[2] and groundwater extraction.[3]
Description
This fish is pinkish white in color and has no eyes. It grows up to 9.2 cm (3.6 in) in total length. The dorsal fin has no spine. The adipose fin is joined to the caudal fin, which is unforked.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 Contreras-Balderas, S. & Almada-Villela, P. (1996). "Prietella phreatophila". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 1996: e.T18136A7669809. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2016). "Prietella phreatophila" in FishBase. January 2016 version.
- 1 2 3 "Rare, Blind Catfish Never Before Found in U.S. Discovered in National Park Cave in Texas". UT News. The University of Texas at Austin. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- 1 2 "Mexican Blindcat Prietella phreatophila". Florida Museum of Natural History.