Schistura oedipus (Kottelat 1988)

No color pattern; absence of externally visible eye but a pit in the center of the skin covering the orbit (Ref. 39226). Retains some melanin pigmentation (Ref. 42927).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analsoft rays: 8

Cave-restricted species (Ref. 12041). Collected in a pool of moving water about 1 km from a cave entrance (Ref. 39226). Mostly found stationary on the muddy bottom at depths from 20 cm to 1 m (Ref. 42927). Tends to occur in slow moving water during the dry season, but some individuals were observed climbing rapids (Ref. 42927). Small groups of individuals were frequently found in the pools while isolated individuals were common in rapids (Ref. 42927). Weakly or not at all cryptobiotic, not remaining under rocks for more than 5 min during the day (Ref. 42927). Feeds on insects and roundworms (Ref. 42927). Shows behavioral responses to light, including avoidance and perhaps a residual diurnal rhythmicity (Ref. 42927).

fisheries: of no interest

Schistura oedipus is a species of troglobitic stone loach endemic to caves in the Pang Mapha karst formation in Mae Hongson Province in Thailand. It is only found in very fast flowing cave streams where it feeds on micro-organism and organic matter. This species is highly sensitive to disturbance, changes in water quality and hydrography. The specific name oedipus refers to the mythical Ancient Greek king of Thebes, Oedipus who tore out his own eyes, this species has degenerate eyes.