Rare Blind Barb Found in Iraq's Desert Cave

the Iraqi Desert Blind Barb, has been found once again inside the desert caves of Haditha, Al Anbar, Iraq. This marks the second habitat discovery since it was first described in 1955 by scientist Ethelwynn Trewavas. The IUCN has given a status of Critically Endangered to this desert blind barb. The combination of hidden habitats and environmental pressure due to the desert water crisis makes this fish one of the rarest aquatic animals in the world. They live in underground river networks in total darkness without sunlight. Therefore, they have undergone extreme evolution by losing their eyes and body pigmentation in order to conserve energy. Without vision, they rely on a sharp sense of smell as well as a super-sensitive lateral line system to detect prey in the water.