Blind Loach

Differs from all members of the genus Oreonectes by the absence of eyes, pelvic fin with 4 branched rays and caudal fin with 12 branched rays (Ref. 75196). Dorsum of head flat; entire body without scales and no color; absence of cephalic lateral-line system; caudal fin truncate (Ref. 75196). Anterior section of body strong and long, cylindraceous but slightly depressed, posterior part compressed; head wide and rounded, depressed; barbels 3 pairs, rostral one 2 pairs and maxillary one 1 pair. Dorsal fin located rather backward and its origin opposite behind base of pelvic fin (Ref. 45563).Description: D ii,7; A ii,5; P i+10; V i+4 (Ref. 75196).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analsoft rays: 7

Lives in karst caves, where the currents are clear and the temperature is low (Ref. 45563).

Cave-restricted species (Ref. 27297).

Oreonectes anophthalmus is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Nemacheilidae. This cavefish is found only in Guangxi and Guizhou in China. It grows to 3.7 cm (1.5 in) standard length.