Alabama cavefish [SEP] IUCN conservation status
Alabama cavefish
The Alabama cavefish ("Speoplatyrhinus poulsoni"), is a critically endangered species of amblyopsid cavefish found only in underground pools in Key Cave, located in northwestern Alabama, United States in the Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge. It was discovered underneath a colony of gray bats in 1967 and scientifically described in 1974.
On any single visit to the cave, no more than 10 individuals of this fish have been observed, and scientists estimate fewer than 100 are left. This fish is believed to be the rarest
Spring cavefish are oviparous; however, the eggs are carried in gill chambers of the females. Females produce roughly 100 young per female. The average spring cavefish lives for about three years and typically reaches a length of about 1.8 to 2.6 in.
Conservation.
The status and distribution of cave-obligate species is incomplete or lacking entirely, which makes conservation and management decisions difficult. This species is listed as endangered in Missouri. The IUCN Red List considers the spring cavefish to be of least concern due to its