| Family: |
Amblyopsidae (Cavefishes) |
| Max. size: |
8.24 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
North America: Indiana, USA. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-11; Anal soft rays: 8-10; Vertebrae: 29-30. Differs from its only congener, Amblyopsis pelaea by having the following characters: body more plump, fleshy and rounded (vs. sculpted, thin) with Bibendum-like wrinkles along myomeres (vs. tight skin); pectoral fins rounder (vs. pointed); and mechansensory papillae on the body and caudal fin reduced in size and less elevated on the skin (vs. conspicuous) (Ref. 96073). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits mainly larger cave streams at or near the water table where it has been observed in slow flowing pools at depths as shallow as 0.1 m to > 2 m deep. Reported to feed on copepods, isopods, and amphipods but larger individuals prey upon small crayfish. Spawning probably takes place during high water levels from February through April. Females incubate eggs in their branchial cavities until hatching and continue to care for fry until yolk reserves are depleted 4-5 months later. Likely attains sexual maturity in 3-4 years (Ref. 96073). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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