World

Indonesia discovers new blind cave fish species

This freshwater fish is completely blind, with its eyes degenerated into hollow structures covered by skin.

The new species of blind cave fish in Indonesia (Photo: Antara)
The new species of blind cave fish in Indonesia (Photo: Antara)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), in collaboration with the Indonesian Speleological Society and the Species Obscura Foundation, have discovered a new species of blind cave fish in Bogor district, West Java.

Speaking to the press on February 27, Kunto Wibowo, a researcher from BRIN's Centre for Biosystematics and Evolution Research, noted that the fish species was found inhabiting the Klapanunggal karst area, leading to its scientific naming as Barbodes klapanunggalensis.

This freshwater fish is completely blind, with its eyes degenerated into hollow structures covered by skin, he said.

He stressed the need for the Government to launch a more stringent protection system for the Klapanunggal karst area, highlighting the urgency of expanding the designated conservation area, which currently covers only 9.96% of the total area.

According to the ZooKeys journal, Indonesia is now home to six endemic blind cave fish species, with Barbodes klapanunggalensis and Barbodes microps found on Java Island. The other four species are endemic to Sulawesi and West Papua./.

VNA
#Indonesian Speleological Society and the Species Obscura Foundation #new species of blind cave fish Indonesia
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

A Scincella truongi Pham lizard (Photo: VNA)

Two new lizard species discovered in Vietnam

The discovery of these two new lizard species provides further evidence of Vietnam’s exceptional biodiversity, particularly in the Sop Cop Nature Reserve in Son La province, and the south-central coastal region. This also highlights Vietnam’s critical role as a global biodiversity hotspot for reptiles and amphibians in the Indochinese region.

See more

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam attends Islam-Buddhism Summit in Cambodia

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu participated in the Islam-Buddhism Summit in Phnom Penh on February 27. The event focused on sharing experience in fostering peaceful religious coexistence, cooperation, and harmony in the region and the world.

President Prabowo Subianto delivering a speech during the inauguration of Indonesia's first bullion bank in Jakarta on February 26, 2025). (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia launches nation’s first bullion banks

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto launched two “bullion banks” on February 26 that will provide gold deposit services to help keep stocks of gold onshore as the country looks to develop its commodity sector beyond mining.

A corner of Singapore. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Singapore PM defends 2025 budget as responsible, well-managed

The Singaporean Government is able to provide a suite of support measures in this Budget as it has managed its resources properly, and because it is doing everything it can to help Singaporeans cope with cost pressures and to improve their lives, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Singapore increases investment in space industry

Singapore increases investment in space industry

Jonathan Hung, executive director of OSTIn said while Singapore’s space industry is still at an early stage of development, global trends mean new opportunities that countries such as Singapore are well-positioned to tap.

Illustrative photo (Photo: baogiaothong.vn)

Indonesia lifts iPhone 16 sales ban

In October 2024, Indonesia banned the iPhone 16 after Apple failed to meet requirements that smartphones sold domestically should comprise 40% locally-made parts.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti (left), and Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, during the signing ceremony of a pact on micro, small, and medium enterprise development. (Photo: Antara)

Ministries agree to strengthen Indonesia’s export-ready MSMEs

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti said that the MoU is a strategic step by both ministries to bolster synergy to encourage national economic growth through MSMEs. In addition, it aims to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian products and expand their access to domestic and global markets.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), erupted with an ash column height observed at approximately 400 meters above the peak or approximately 1,984 meters above sea level on Monday (February 17, 2025). (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia’s airport closes due to volcanic eruption

The closure was also prompted by a report from a pilot flying from the town of Maumere to Kupang, the provincial capital. The pilot detected the smell of sulfur at an altitude between 1,500 – 3,300 metres.

Pig Farm (Photo: Laotiantimes)

Laos warns of African swine fever outbreak

ASF poses a serious threat to pig production and the livelihoods of Lao people. Local authorities are calling for coordinated efforts to contain and eliminate the outbreak, including heightened surveillance in several villages across Xaysomboun and Bolikhamxay provinces.

2-year-old girl dies from bird flu in Cambodia

2-year-old girl dies from bird flu in Cambodia

According to medical records, the child was in contact with infected chickens raised by her family and passed away on February 25 after developing symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath.