Typhleotris pauliani | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Gobiiformes |
Family: | Milyeringidae |
Genus: | Typhleotris |
Species: | T. pauliani
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Binomial name | |
Typhleotris pauliani
Arnoult, 1959
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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]