Rhamdia laluchensis Weber, Allegrucci & Sbordoni, 2003
La Lucha blind catfish
Rhamdia laluchensis
photo by Gómez González, A.E.

Family:  Heptapteridae (Three-barbeled catfishes)
Max. size:  11.95 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: subterranean watercourse in Sistema de La Lucha, Chiapas, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 13-16; Vertebrae: 43-44. Distinguished from other species of Rhamdia by the combination of the following characters: reduced body pigmentation; eyes rudimentary, covered by skin and not visible externally; head length 24.6-27.1% SL; pectoral-fin length 14.4-17.5% SL; maxillary barbel length 39.2-47.3% SL; caudal-peduncle depth 9.3-12.2% SL; pectoral spine serrated on posterior edge only, anterior edge smooth (Ref. 52912).
Biology:  A troglobitic species (Ref. 52912).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 05 September 2018 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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