Scientist Names Blind Fish with Neck Anus after His Favorite Team

In what might be considered a mixed message outside of the ichthyology world, scientists have named a new species of cavefish after the Indiana University Hoosiers. It's blind, has its anus behind its head, and distinguishes itself from its nearest relative by being a little fatter. But its discovery might help keep the world's other ugly cave dwellers alive, even those not named for sports teams. Cavefish in the family Amblyopsidae live in dark corners of the eastern United States. There are about eight species, though it can be hard to tell them apart just by looking. Features that would normally be helpful are missing: they often have no eyes and no color to their bodies. The genes of these unforthcoming fish, though, may tell stories that their bodies can't. Recently, Louisiana State University biologist Matthew Niemiller found genetic differences between Amblyopsis spelaea cavefish living north and south of the ...