Forbesichthys agassizii
Spring Cavefish
NS
G4
Collection Details
Specimens
Photos
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Records
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fishes)
Percopsiformes
Amblyopsidae (Cavefishes)
Forbesichthys
Forbesichthys agassizii (Spring Cavefish)
Description
This species account was compiled from
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Characters
Body shape: elongated. Scales minute and embedded. Pelvic fins absent. Branched caudal fin rays 11-17; branchiostegal rays 6. Triads of sensory papillae occur midlaterally and scattered clusters of neuromasts are present on the head. Coloration uniform dark gray to back with paler venter.
Distribution
North America: portions of Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri, U.S.A.
Habitat Associations
Freshwater. demersal. Found in: streams.
Biology
Adults occur in springs and caves (but almost always near surface). They live underground but emerge above ground in springs (Ref. 5723). Active in springs at night and usually retreat underground during the day. The few individuals which venture into the spring portions of their habitat may show strong rheotaxis for half to one-minute periods but usually show strong thigmotaxis and hide under rocks or debris (Ref. 34868). Feed at night on amphipods, midge larvae, tiny worms and micro-crustaceans. Fecundity averages about 100 eggs per female (Ref. 10294). Eggs are carried in gill chambers of females (Ref. 205).
Max length: 9.0 cm TL; common length: 5.2 cm TL; max age: 3 years.
Reproductive mode: dioecism; fertilization: external; bearers (external brooders); parental care: maternal. Incubates eggs in gill chamber of females (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC), assessed 2012-01-27. Resilience: High (K=0.67; tm=1; tmax=3; Fec = 100).
References
Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen (1966) Modes of reproduction in fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey. 941 p.
Etnier, D.A. and W.C. Starnes (1993) The fishes of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. (pls. check date).
Poulson, T.L. (1963) Cave adaptation in amblyopsid fishes. Am. Midl. Nat. 70(2):257-290.
Poly, W.J. and G.S. Proudlove (2004) Family Amblyopsidae Bonaparte 1846 cavefishes. Calif. Acad. Sci. Annotated Checklists of Fishes (25):7.
Comments On Forbesichthys agassizii