Clarias cavernicola

The golden cave catfish (Clarias cavernicola) is a critically endangered species of airbreathing catfish. They are only known to live in the Aigamas cave, Otjozondjupa region, Namibia. They appear similar to white eels, up to a length of 16.1 cm (6.3 inches) SL. They have very small eyes, and are probably effectively blind. They feed on detritus that falls into the lake in which they live. The population is estimated at 150 or 200–400 individuals. Little is known about its reproduction, and attempts to breed it in captivity have failed. The population is threatened by chance events and aquifer depletion that threatens to drain the lake.