Typhleotris_pauliani
Typhleotris pauliani
Species of fish
Typhleotris pauliani is a critically endangered species of fish in the family Milyeringidae that is endemic to Madagascar, where it is only known from a few caves and sinkholes in the southwestern portion of the island.[1] This blind cavefish lacks pigmentation and can reach a standard length of 7.1 cm (2.8 in).[1][2] It feeds on invertebrates and guano.[2] Part of its range receive some protection, but the species is threatened by disturbance from recreational activities (from tourists and locals) and collectors of guano.[1] The specific name honours the French entomologist and former deputy director of the Institut de recherche pour le développement in Madagascar, Renaud Paulian (1913-2003), who collected the type specimens as well as contributing a lot to the knowledge of the biogeography of the western Indian Ocean.[3]
