A group of scientists has identified a new species of fish in a contaminated cave in southern China.
During an expedition in 2023 in several caves near Guangxi, researchers found unusual fish in the subterranean waters.
Characteristics of the New Species
The species, named Paranemachilus liui or Liu’s cave loach, reaches approximately 6.3 centimeters in length. It is distinguished by its yellowish-brown color, bright yellow fins, barbels on its snout, and eyes of an almost neon hue.
New species discovered in a contaminated cave
Habitat and Behavior
Unlike other subterranean fish, this loach lives in underground rivers and ponds, migrating annually to a pond inside a cave to reproduce during the rainy season, despite the contamination of the waters.
Identification and Analysis
The research team composed of Hao-Lin Mo, Jian Yang, Peng Li, and Li-Na Du named this new species in honor of Zongyun Liu, who was a distinguished literary figure and thinker from the late 7th century. So far, Liu’s cave loaches have only been sighted in caves located in the district of Yifenf in the southern Chinese province of Guangxi, which borders Vietnam.
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