Caecobarbus geertsii, image by Brian H Risbridger

Caecobarbus geertsii    Boulenger, 1921
Synonyms: Caecobarbus geertsi
Common Name: Blind Cave Barb
Other Common Name: 
Other Common Names: African Blind Barb, Blind African Barb, Blind Barb, Congo Blind Barb
Family: Cyprinidae 
Continent: Africa
Distribution: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Habitat: freshwater rivers & streams in caves
Food: small live foods and sinking commercial foods
Water Temperature: 21-26°C
Water Chemistry: pH 6.0-8.0
Size:    Males [80mm]    Females [80mm]
FBAS Class: M
Temperament: inoffensive; good community fish
Aquarium Size: 60cm or longer
Gender Differences: females plumper
Breeding: egglayer
Additional Information: The fish above was photographed in a dealer tank at a large aquarium show in the 70s, due to the protected status of the fish, the RSPCA was called in to investigate. They are found only in Mbanzagungu cave system, Thysville, in lower Congo River. They have been on the endangered species list for many decades, sediment from farming posing the greatest threat.

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