The Bahaman cavefish (Lucifuga spelaeotes) is a brackish-water fish of the family Bythitidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Bahaman cavefish is a blind cave fish of the livebearing brotula family, occurring only in dark inland caves, brackish sinkholes and marine blue holes of the Bahamas. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate, pale to pinkish body; the eyes are reduced to vestigial remnants, as they are useless in the dark. It lives at shallow depth in cave water and is a livebearing carnivore. Because of its very limited, vulnerable range the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bahaman cavefish?
The Bahaman cavefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Bahaman cavefish live?
The Bahaman cavefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Bahaman cavefish get?
The Bahaman cavefish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Bahaman cavefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bahaman cavefish is harmless to humans.
Is the Bahaman cavefish edible?
The Bahaman cavefish is not usually eaten.
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Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Bythitidae
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