Karstsinnectes anophthalmus

photo by CAFS

Family:	Nemacheilidae (Brook loaches)
Max. size:	3.69 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	demersal; freshwater
Distribution:	Asia: Taiji Cave in Guangxi and Dongtang Cave in Guizhou, China.
Diagnosis:	Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Differs from all members of the genus Oreonectes by the absence of eyes, pelvic fin with 4 branched rays and caudal fin with 12 branched rays (Ref. 75196). Dorsum of head flat; entire body without scales and no color; absence of cephalic lateral-line system; caudal fin truncate (Ref. 75196). Anterior section of body strong and long, cylindraceous but slightly depressed, posterior part compressed; head wide and rounded, depressed; barbels 3 pairs, rostral one 2 pairs and maxillary one 1 pair. Dorsal fin located rather backward and its origin opposite behind base of pelvic fin (Ref. 45563). Description: D ii,7; A ii,5; P i+10; V i+4 (Ref. 75196).
Biology:	Cave-restricted species (Ref. 27297).
IUCN Red List Status:	Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 01 August 1996 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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