Subterranean Fishes of the World

2030

2007

Report to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

37 pages

This preliminary report summarizes the results of our study on the status of the southern cavefish (Typhlichthys subterraneus) in Arkansas. Its presence in the state represents the western-southern limits of its distribution. Three localities have been confirmed that contain individuals of this species: Richardson Cave (Fulton County), Alexander Cave/ Clark Spring (Stone County) and Ennis Cave (Stone County). A fourth locality has been cited as a well in Randolph County, but because the exact location is unknown, its presence has not been confirmed. There are a number of unconfirmed localities for “cavefishes” in the region which are listed in this report. Populations of this species in Arkansas seem to be small (less than 100 individuals) which is common among populations of hypogean amblyopsids elsewhere. All the confirmed localities are in areas either under controlled access by the private owners or by the federal government. No immediate threat to these populations was found by either overcollecting or other anthropogenic causes. Yet long-term monitoring of the recharge areas is recommended since pollution of these areas has been the major ecological problem for this and other hypogean amblyopsids species elsewhere. Current work suggests that the populations in Arkansas may represent a new species of Typhlichthys. If that were the case, then a reconsideration of the conservation status of this purported new species needs to be carried out.

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