How do cave fishes sense their surroundings in total darkness?

Cave fishes, which often inhabit dark environments like limestone caves, rely on specialized sensory adaptations to navigate and interact with their surroundings in the absence of light. Because their eyes are typically small or nonfunctional, these fishes utilize highly developed tactile organs distributed across their head, body, and tail to sense their environment through touch.1

A critical component of this sensory capability is the lateral line system, which is present in most aquatic vertebrates. This system consists of a network of mechanoreceptors called neuromasts that detect minute displacements and pressure changes in the surrounding water. By sensing water currents and the displacement caused by nearby objects, predators, or prey, the fish can effectively "feel" its environment at a distance without needing visual input.234

While some other fishes, such as deep-sea species, may use bioluminescence to light their way or attract prey, cave-dwelling fishes primarily depend on these nonvisual, touch-based sensory systems to survive in total darkness.561