Inp.polri.go.id - Bogor.  Indonesian scientists have identified a new species of blind cave fish in the karst region of Klapanunggal, Bogor, West Java.

Named Barbodes klapanunggalensis, the fish was discovered by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the Indonesian Speleological Society (ISS) and the Species Obscura Indonesia Foundation, as reported by antaranews.com on Thursday (27/2/2025).

The fish exhibits unique adaptations to its dark, isolated habitat. 

BRIN researcher Kunto Wibowo, explained that the fish has completely lost its eyesight, leaving only recessed orbital cavities covered by skin. Its body lacks black pigment, giving it a silvery-white appearance with transparent fins.

Living in small cave pools with clear water and fine clay substrates, the fish remains still in calm waters but becomes active when disturbed. Currently, it is only found in Gua Cisodong 1, a cave within the 66 km² Klapanunggal karst area, of which only 9.96% is government-protected.

Despite the cave’s remote location, the species is threatened by limestone mining, prompting calls for stricter conservation measures. 

The discovery, published in ZooKeys, adds to Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, with Barbodes klapanunggalensis becoming the sixth endemic cave fish species in the country.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)