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Amblyopsis
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Amblyopsis

fish genus
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Quick Summary

The genus Amblyopsis refers to a group of small, pale, cave-dwelling fish belonging to the family Amblyopsidae. These fish are characterized by their blindness and lack of pigment, adaptations to their dark limestone cave habitats.12

Key facts about Amblyopsis:
* Size: They typically grow to about 10 cm (4 inches) long.1
* Habitat: Found in freshwater caves within the United States.1
* Sensory Organs: While they have small, nonfunctional eyes, they possess highly sensitive tactile organs distributed across their body, head, and tail, which help them navigate and sense their surroundings.1
* Species: Notable species include Amblyopsis rosae and A. spelaea, the latter being the blind fish of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. Some species in this genus also have pelvic fins, while others do not.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. cave fish
  2. Amblyopsis

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