Nontroglobitic Fishes in Caves: Their Abnormalities, Ecological Classification and Importance

A total of 190 individuals representing 14 fish species were discovered from surveys of four West Virginia caves. Cottus carolinae ssp. and Lepomis macrochirus were captured in Buckeye Creek Cave, while Semotilus atromaculatus, L. cyanellus, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Rhinichthys atratulus and Ambloplites rupestris were collected from Bruffey-Hills Creek Cave. Seven species were captured in Piercys Cave, including two species, Notropis photogenis and N. volucellus, never before recorded from caves. Six species, Cottus bairdi, Catostomus commersoni, Salvelinus fontinalis, A. rupestris, R. atratulus and S. atromaculatus were captured in Piercys Mill Cave. Many of the S. atromaculatus were depigmented upon initial inspection; however, exposure to light often returned normal coloration. Nontroglobitic fishes inhabiting caves are known to exhibit abnormalities such as depigmentation, skeletal deformities or reduced eye size. Little attention has been given to documenting occurrences of nontroglobitic fishes in caves, and most occurrences have been considered accidental. Correct classification of many populations is difficult since categories in the current system do not accommodate them adequately. Some fish occurrences may more accurately fit the trogloxene category, although, each case must be examined independently. The possible effects of cavernicolous, nontroglobitic fishes on other cave-dwelling organisms, especially endangered troglobites, rarely has been considered and should be studied.