Mexican Blindcats Genus Prietella (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae): an overview of Recent Explorations

Abstract

The ictalurid genus Prietella was described from a single locality in northern México (Coahuila) in 1954, and until very recently went largely unstudied. Cave explorers have recently uncovered new localities and a second species much farther to the south (México: Tamaulipas). Our team visited over 50 sites, including all of the previously known sites possible, and explored many new sites, expanding the known range of Prietella and describing their habitat. We identified geological units and mapped caves, identified associated troglobitic invertebrates, estimated population sizes and measured water chemistry parameters. We also comment on laboratory diet, parasites, sensory biology, behavior (such as jaw locking and periods of inactivity), reproduction and systematics based on preliminary genetic data. Prietella phreatophila is listed as endangered, and due to the recent discovery of many more sites (formerly documented from three localities, now known from twelve sites, though some are hydrologically connected) we recommend threatened status, with careful attention to growing threats such as over pumping and contamination of the aquifer it lives in. Should these patterns continue unchecked, re-listing this species as endangered may be called for. Prietella lundbergi was also described from one site but is now known from two, though it is quite rare at both (only five specimens have ever been seen). P. lundbergi was described after the most recent revision of the Mexican endangered species list and should probably be considered as endangered.