New ‘demon cavefish’ species discovered in Alabama cave

Researchers have discovered a new species of eyeless cavefish, named Demogorgonichthys arcanus, in Bobcat Cave beneath the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. The species, nicknamed the ‘demon cavefish,’ is a freshwater fish that has adapted to complete darkness by losing its eyes and pigmentation. While alive, the creature reportedly appears faintly electric blue.

The discovery is considered highly unusual because Bobcat Cave has been surveyed approximately four times a year for three decades without the species being documented. Lead author Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller described the finding of a new genus in eastern North America as being comparable to ‘finding a new kind of big cat.’

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University, and Mississippi State University, notes that the demon cavefish shares its habitat with the southern cavefish (Typhlichthys subterraneus). Despite living in the same environment, the two are not closely related, representing a significant example of convergent evolution where different species independently develop similar traits to survive in underground habitats.