Sinocyclocheilus anophthalmus Chen, Chu, Luo & Wu, 1988
Eyeless golden-line fish
Sinocyclocheilus anophthalmus
photo by CAFS

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Cyprininae
Max. size:  11.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; depth range - 1 m
Distribution:  Asia: Yunnan, China.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Eyes not externally visible; little pigmentation; scales cover only part of the body (Ref. 44736). Rear section of head abruptly convex; barbels 2 pairs. Pectoral fin long, reaching pelvic fin insertion (Ref. 127045).
Biology:  Cave-restricted species. The Karst limestone cave is located 1,638 m above sea level (Ref. 127045). Adults have a naked body and are blind, either eyeless or with small eye dots (Ref. 127045).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 01 August 1996 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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