Prietella phreatophila

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][3] however, in 2016 the species was reported from the Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas, following earlier, unconfirmed sightings of blind, white catfish in the area. The captured specimens were brought to the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.[4]

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

Habitat and conservation

The species lives only in subterranean waters and can be encountered in caves and wells.[4][2] In Mexico, it is known from 12 locations.[5][3] It is threatened by pollution of the groundwater[2] and groundwater extraction.[4]

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.[5]

References
  1. Contreras-Balderas, S. & Almada-Villela, P. 2019. Prietella phreatophila. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T18136A1725896. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T18136A1725896.en. Downloaded on 25 July 2019.
  2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2016). "Prietella phreatophila" in FishBase. January 2016 version.
  3. Hendrickson, Dean A.; Krejca, Jean K.; Martinez, Juan Manuel Rodríguez (2001). "Mexican Blindcats Genus Prietella (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae): an overview of Recent Explorations". Environmental Biology of Fishes. 62 (1–3): 315–337. doi:10.1023/A:1011808805094. ISSN 0378-1909. S2CID 19962442.
  4. "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.
  5. "Mexican Blindcat Prietella phreatophila". Florida Museum of Natural History. 2017-07-18.
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