Cavefishes
Document Type
Syllabus
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract
We broadly summarize the diversity of all currently known obligate-subterranean fishes in terms of species richness, features of their troglomorphy, and ecology. These species are found almost exclusively underground (e.g., caves and other subterranean habitats) and exhibit some degree of troglomorphy. At least 199 cavefishes have been described from every continent but Antarctica, representing 10 orders, 25 families, and 73 genera of ray-finned fishes (class Actinopterygii), and each year new species continue to be added to the list of troglomorphic fishes. These species are being discovered at an elevated rate in recent years particularly from China, but over 60% of cavefishes are at an elevated risk of extinction due to anthropogenic threats.
Identifier
85087483395 (Scopus)
ISBN
[9780128141250, 9780128141243]
Publication Title
Encyclopedia of Caves Third Edition
External Full Text Location
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814124-3.00026-1
First Page
227
Last Page
236
Recommended Citation
Niemiller, Matthew L.; Bichuette, Maria E.; Chakrabarty, Prosanta; Fenolio, Dante B.; Gluesenkamp, Andrew G.; Soares, Daphne; and Zhao, Yahui, "Cavefishes" (2019). Faculty Publications. 8126.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/fac_pubs/8126
