Osteichthyes (fishes)

Osteichthyes (fishes)

Many species of cavefishes are found worldwide. In Missouri, the

Family Amblyopsidae includes the two stygobitic cavefishes below, while

sculpins (Family Cottidae) often enter caves from local streams and

survive for long periods.

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001.jpg: Southern cavefish, Typhlichthys subterraneus Girard, SB: Known from about 24 localities in Camden, Carter, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Phelps, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne counties, this cavefish cannot be distinguished easily from the Ozark cavefish, which occurs to the west. Length up to 105 mm. By Chip Clark.

002.jpg: Ozark cavefish, Amblyopsis rosae (Eigenmann), SB: Known from about 21 localities in Barry, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, Newton and Stone counties, and adjacent parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Length up to 56 mm. Listed as "endangered" by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and "threatened" by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. By MDC.

003.jpg: Banded sculpin, Cottus carolinae (Gill), SX or SP: Often seen in caves, but usually in a starved condition, this species can be distinguished from the Mottled sculpin by its more distinct bands and a lateral line that reaches to the tail. The "Grotto sculpin" in Perry County caves has evolved from the Banded sculpin, but has smaller eyes and other cave adaptations. By James E. Gardner.