WIDEMOUTH BLINDCAT
Satan eurystomus Hubbs & Bailey 1947

Identification: The Widemouth Blindcat is one of four species of North American catfishes that lack eyes and dark pigments. These species are white or pink in color and are found in aquifers in Mexico and in the Edwards Plateau in Texas. In the Widemouth Blindcat, the jaw teeth are well developed, and the lips are thick at the corner of the mouth. The lower jaw is normal in shape but is slightly shorter than the upper jaw. The gill membranes are separate with a strong fold between them. The head and snout are broad and flat. The adipose fin is long and high, and the anal fin is short and rounded with 19-20 rays. The caudal fin is straight or slightly notched. The head has well developed lateral-line canals and pores. To 5 1/4 in. (13.7 cm) total length.

Range: This species is thought to be common in the San Antonio Pool of the Edwards Aquifer in and near San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas.

Habitat: The Widemouth Blindcat lives in subterranean water at depths of 976-1862 ft. (305-582 m).

Similar species: The Toothless Blindcat, Trogloglanis pattersoni, lives sympatrically with the Widemouth Blindcat, but lacks jaw teeth, has the lower jaw curved into the mouth, and has fused gill membranes.