TOOTHLESS BLINDCAT
Trogloglanis pattersoni Eigenmann 1919

Identification: The Toothless Blindcat lacks eyes and jaw teeth, and is pinkish white. The lips are thin at the corner of the mouth and the short, lower jaw is curved upward into the mouth. The snout overhangs the mouth. The gill membranes are fused with a barely visible fold between them. The head and snout are rounded in profile. There is a long, high adipose fin joined to the caudal fin. The anal fin is short and rounded with 16-17 rays. The edge of the caudal fin is straight or slightly notched. There are well developed lateral-line canals and pores on the head. The Toothless Blindcat lacks an air bladder. To 4 in. (10.4 cm) total length.

Range and Habitat: Like the Widemouth Blindcat, Satan eurystomus, the Toothless Blindcat lives in the San Antonio Pool of the Edwards Aquifer in and near San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas, and is thought to be common.

Similar species: The other blind catfish in Texas, the Widemouth Blindcat, Satan eurystomus, has jaw teeth, separate gill membranes, and 19-20 anal rays, and the lower jaw is not curved upward into the mouth.