Kingdom Animalia Order Cypriniformes Genus Garra Higher classification Garra | Phylum Chordata Family Cyprinidae Scientific name Garra barreimiae Rank Species | |
Similar Garra, Cyprinidae, Garra makiensis | ||
Garra barreimiae omani blind cave fish
Garra barreimiae, the Oman garra, is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is found in the mountains of northern Oman and in the United Arab Emirates. Most populations inhabit wadis, streams, pools and springs, but some populations live underground in caves, and have lost their sight and pigmentation.
Contents
Omani blind fish from al hoota cave garra barreimiae
Taxonomy
The Oman garra was first described in 1956 by the American zoologist Henry Weed Fowler and the Israeli zoologist Heinz Steinitz as Garra barreimiae. The following subspecies are recognised:-
The blind cave form has been found to be genetically little different from the sighted form. The subspecies are generally limited to different watersheds.
Description
Garra barreimiae is a small, slender fish, somewhat flattened on the underside. It grows to a length of about 6.2 cm (2.4 in). The head is wedge-shaped and has a suction plate on the lower jaw and a blunt snout. This fish is a fairly dark colour and is speckled; it has a paler transverse band just behind the head. An unpigmented form with fewer scales and no eyes has been found living underground. Juveniles of this form are sighted at first, but as they get older, skin grows over their eyes.
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to the mountainous eastern region of the United Arab Emirates and northern region of Oman. In both countries it is present on the western side of the mountains and in Oman, it is also present on the east side. The blind form is present in the cave systems of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains in Oman, and which is often known as the "Omani blind cave fish". This fish typically lives in wadis, in gravel or rock pools, in springs, in small streams and in slow-moving water.
Ecology
Garra barreimiae is a shoaling fish and is quick to dart away if it feels threatened. It is a hardy and adaptable species. If the water body in which it is living is starting to dry up, it may be able to survive buried in wet gravel. It has also been known to skitter across wet rocks in order to move to another pool, and to make its way up steep wet rocks and beside waterfalls. It can tolerate brackish water and a wide range of temperatures.
The fish feeds on the bottom in the manner of a catfish. It eats algae, which it scrapes off rocks, and detritus. Examination of the stomach contents of one individual showed that it had consumed both single-celled and filamentous algae, rotifers, nematodes and small crustaceans. Breeding takes place when there is sufficient water and may be sparked by a downpour. The tiny eggs are deposited among the gravel.