Amblyopsis Chologaster Forbesichthys Speoplatyrhinus Typhlichthys The Amblyopsidae are a fish family commonly referred to as cavefish, blindfish, or swampfish.

They are small freshwater fish found in the dark environments of caves (underground lakes, pools, rivers and streams), springs and swamps in the eastern half of the United States.

Like other troglobites, most amblyopsids exhibit adaptations to these dark environments, including the lack of functional eyes and the absence of pigmentation.

Adaptations common to many cavefish include reduced susceptibility to light, pigment loss, or reduction in skin scales,[7] as well as development of chemoreceptors in the sensory organs of the body surface and the lateral line.

[3] They have a naked, moderately depressed head and an elongated body, covered with small cycloid irregular flakes, with tiny or absent pelvic fins.

[3][8] All members of this family are small and typical of the fresh waters of the eastern and southern regions of the United States.

Although the cave habitat generally offers a poor food supply, the advantages of the environment include extremely stable conditions, few competitors, and few predators.

Formerly it was incorrectly speculated that a similar brooding behavior existed in other members of this family, as well as the pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus).