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Blind cave brotula (Typhliasina pearsei) — Bythitidae

Blind cave brotula

Typhliasina pearsei
Family: Bythitidae

The Blind cave brotula (Typhliasina pearsei) is a freshwater fish of the family Bythitidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–70.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The blind cave brotula is a livebearing brotula (Bythitidae) endemic to underground waters, cenotes and caves of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a pale, almost white, unpigmented body without functional eyes and a continuous fin margin. In complete darkness it detects small invertebrates with sensitive senses. Unlike many fish it gives birth to live young. Through its very restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blind cave brotula?

The Blind cave brotula has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Blind cave brotula live?

The Blind cave brotula lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Blind cave brotula get?

The Blind cave brotula grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Blind cave brotula dangerous to humans?

No, the Blind cave brotula is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blinde grottenbrotula sourced
English name
Blind cave brotula sourced
Scientific name
Typhliasina pearsei
Family
Bythitidae
Other names
Mexican blind brotula verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
70.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Bythitidae

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