OZARK CAVEFISH Amblyopsis rosae (Eigenmann, 1899) 



Order: PERCOPSIFORMES Family: AMBLYOPSIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Postcleithrum absent, sensory papillae in 2 or 3 rows 

 on upper and lower half of caudal fin, pelvic fins absent. 



Present distribution : Known only from a few caves and wells in southwestern Missouri 

 and northwestern Arkansas . 



Former distribution : About the same as present. 



Status : In need of careful watching . 



Estimated numbers : Cave populations range from 20 to 100 . 



Fecundity : About 20 eggs per female . Only 20 percent of the population breeds each 

 year. 



Reasons for decline : No data . There is a danger of overcollecting . 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : Acquisition of certain caves and restriction of collection. 



Number in captivity : Dr. T. L. Poulson has a few at Yale University. 



Culture potential in captivity : No data. 



Remarks : This species lives in underground water and moves from one spring or cave 

 pool to another by underground water passages common in the Ozarks. Data submitted 

 by the Missouri Conservation Commission. 



References : 



Poulson, T. L. 1963. Cave adaptation in amblyopsid fishes. Amer. Midi. Nat., 



Vol. 70, No. 2, p. 257-290. 

 Woods, L. P. and R. F. Inger . 1957. The cave, spring and swamp fishes of the 



family Amblyopsidae of central and eastern United States. Amer. Midi. Nat. 



Vol. 58. No. 1, p. 232-256. 



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