Waterfall Climbing Cave Angel Fish

Cryptotora thamicola

“Possibly the most specialized creatures on earth”
— David Attenborough

Five Reasons Cave Angel Fish are COOL

ONE. They only live on underground waterfalls within caves on the Thailand/Myanmar Border.

TWO. They are completely adapted to cave life; they have lost their eyes and all pigment.

THREE. They have specialized hips for climbing that scientists have used to understand the evolution of walking.

FOUR. Lunate fins with thousands of microscopic hooks allow them to grip rocks in high flow conditions.

FIVE. They survive on microscopic bacteria that is invisible to the human eye

A specialized underwater probe lens and a great team made this image possible.

This story must be shared immediately

Waterfall Climbing Cave Fish can be consistently seen in only two caves. In recent years, farming around the caves has switched from sustainable poppy farming to unsustainable corn farming. Corn farming requires much more fertilizer which can work its way into the groundwater, poisoning the habitat and food source of these fish. Local experts believe this pollution has caused the extinction of the fish in one cave and a dramatic population decrease in the other. If nothing is done, the entire species may go extinct shortly.

The Plan:

  1. Complete photo story on Cave Angel Fish and their threats. Photos will include: habitat shots of cave ecosystems, habitat shots featuring cave angelfish in spotlight, farmers spraying fertilizer on crops, runoff of pollutants during rainfall, external shots of water running into caves, drone shots of caves, guides leading tourists through caves, portraits of Cave Angel Fish, and close up shots of unique features (eyes, hips, hooks, and fins).

  2. Interview local farmers, cavers, conservationists, government officials, and scientists to understand all sides of the story.

  3. Work with journalist to write an article describing the species, the issues they face, and conservation solutions.

  4. Propose article for publication in conservation magazine such as National Geographic, Times, The Guardian, and more.

  5. Create public support through magazine and social media publications.

  6. Work with Thai government on legislation to protect caves and prevent unsustainable farming.