Lamprologus lethops

Description

Lamprologus lethops is a species of cichlid fish from areas with fast current in the Congo River in Central Africa, where it is believed to live in depths as great as 160 m (520 ft) below the surface. It reaches about 10 cm (4 in) in length with males growing somewhat larger than females, is all whitish in color (non-pigmented), and essentially blind as adult, as their eyes are covered in a thick layer of skin (only retain a slight sensibility to light). The eyes of juveniles are rudimentary and not covered by skin. Living L. lethops were seen for the first time in 2011 when local fishermen managed to bring up a few specimens alive from the depths. Otherwise they rapidly die due to changes in pressure. They have subsequently been kept in aquaria. Based on these individuals its behavior is essentially similar to that of its "normal-looking" relatives, like L. congoensis. Among other fish species with similar adaptations (reduced eyes and non-pigmented) found in similar habitats in the Congo River are an elephantfish (Stomatorhinus microps), a clariid catfish (Gymnallabes nops), a mochokid catfish (Chiloglanis sp.), two claroteid catfish (Notoglanidium pallidum and Platyallabes tihoni), and four spiny eels (Mastacembelus aviceps, M. brichardi, M. crassus and M. latens).