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Madagascar blind cave gudgeon (Typhleotris madagascariensis) — Eleotridae

Madagascar blind cave gudgeon

Typhleotris madagascariensis
Family: Eleotridae

The Madagascar blind cave gudgeon (Typhleotris madagascariensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Madagascar

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Description

The Madagascar blind cave gudgeon is a blind sleeper goby (Milyeringidae) endemic to underground waters and caves of southwestern Madagascar. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a pale, unpigmented, almost transparent body without functional eyes. In complete darkness it detects small invertebrates with sensitive senses on the head and body. Through its very restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Madagascar blind cave gudgeon?

The Madagascar blind cave gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Madagascar blind cave gudgeon live?

The Madagascar blind cave gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Madagascar

How big does the Madagascar blind cave gudgeon get?

The Madagascar blind cave gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Madagascar blind cave gudgeon dangerous to humans?

No, the Madagascar blind cave gudgeon is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Madagascar blind cave gudgeon (Typhleotris madagascariensis) — Eleotridae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — John Mather (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Madagascar blind cave gudgeon (Typhleotris madagascariensis) — Eleotridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) 昆虫学liuye, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Madagascar blind cave gudgeon (Typhleotris madagascariensis) — Eleotridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) 昆虫学liuye, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Madagascar blind cave gudgeon (Typhleotris madagascariensis) — Eleotridae — 5
James Bailey (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
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All data

Identification

English name
Madagascar blind cave gudgeon sourced
Scientific name
Typhleotris madagascariensis
Family
Eleotridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Madagascar sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Eleotridae

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