Cave catfish

Introduction: Cave catfish (Clarias cavernicola) live over shelves in open, clear water. They are an endangered species in Namibia due to the depletion of ground water in the only cave they inhabit. It is a close relative of the snake catfish. Identification is usually by their short head, reduced or absent eyes and a long body that is bereft of any pigment.

Distribution: Aigamas Cave near Otavi in Namibia.

Diet: Bat droppings, animal carcasses and ground insects that fall into the cave lake.

Colouring: Pale fleshy white with yellowish extremities.

Size: Standard length is around 161mm.