The Mexican Blind Fish
( Typhliasina pearsei )
The Mexican Blind Fish or "Dama Blanca" ( white lady) inhabits the cenotes and aquifers in the Yucatán Península of México, where the water temperature is between 23 and 27° Celcious degrees throughout the year.
Also known as the "Mexican Blind Brotula" is the top predator in the Yucatán aquifer system. It feeds on crustaceans such as shrimps and mysids that also inhabit the aquifers. It does not react to light but it is very sensitive to vibrations. It standard lenght is about 9.7 cm. The skin does not contain pigments , making the fish appear pinkish-white or albine. It has a comet shape body and compress with no eyes. Anal and dorsal large fins
It is a viviparous fish giving birth sometimes to a dozen young between december and february. The juveniles normally have a yellowish color and have a lenght of aprox 3.7 cm
Currently la "Dama Blanca" has a -Near Threatened- status since it is facing a water pollution threat due to the aquifers where it lives are just below human inhabited areas with poor sanitary arrangements that leak in excess nitrates from water wastes and the coliform bacteria
If you ever encountered this fish while cavern diving or cave you will have a unique moment with this beautiful cenote dancer for sure.
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