https://www.iflscience.com/never-before-seen-golden-cave-fish-discovered-in-china-still-evolving-to-live-underground-78354
Scientists have struck gold while searching
for fish in a Chinese cave, having discovered
a brand-new species that’s not only got a
gilded exterior, but also appears to still be
evolving.
The fish, which was identified during surveys
carried out in southwestern Guizhou Province,
has been named the Xingren golden-lined fish
(Sinocyclocheilus xingrenensis), after the
nearby city. It’s thought to live exclusively
in this area, although the researchers wrote
in the study describing the new species that
much else about its ecology is still to be
discovered.
They were able to separate the new golden
fish from other members of its genus – many
of which also live in caves carved out within
southwestern China’s karst landscapes – based
on its DNA and appearance. For example,
compared to its most similar species within
the Sinocyclocheilus genus, the Xingren fish
is smaller and has a different number of rays
making up its fins.
But those are far from the only distinguishing
features of this fish. In fact, looking beyond
its golden gleam, there’s actually something
quite confusing about S. xingrenensis.
This fish is scaleless, which is a common
adaptation for fish that live in caves. On the
flipside, the Xingren golden-lined fish also
has massive eyes, at least if you consider that
it doesn’t seem to have much need for them
given that it’s, y’know, pretty dark
underground. Lots of other cave-dwelling
creatures have either reduced eyes or have
ditched them entirely. So, what’s going on?
The answer, according to the study authors,
could be that S. xingrenensis only moved into
its cave habitat relatively recently, and as
a result, it’s still in the process of
adapting to its new home.
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