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blind goby

fish
Also known as: Typhlogobius californiensis

Quick Summary

The blind goby (Typhlogobius californiensis) is a small, pink fish native to California. It is a species of goby, belonging to the suborder Gobioidei, which includes over 2,200 species of carnivorous, typically small fish found worldwide, primarily in marine environments.1

Blind gobies are bottom-dwellers and are known for their weak suction cup formed by fused pelvic fins. They inhabit intertidal zones, living in burrows dug by ghost shrimp. Unlike many other fish, they have small, nonfunctional eyes and rely on sensitive tactile organs arranged over their body to navigate and sense their surroundings. This adaptation is common among cave-dwelling fish, which often exhibit paleness and blindness due to their lightless habitats.12

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  3. cave fish

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