Sinocyclocheilus grahami
Overview
The golden-line barbel is a species of cyprinid fish endemic to Dian Lake and its tributaries in Yunnan, China. It has been extirpated from the lake itself due to heavy pollution, but survives in a single tributary and a few small temple ponds. This species can reach a length of 23 centimetres (9.1 in) though most are only around 17 centimetres (6.7 in). The greatest weight known for this species is 250 grams (8.8 oz).
Sinocyclocheilus grahami faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and habitat degradation in its restricted karst cave systems in Yunnan Province, China. Agricultural runoff and industrial contamination have compromised water quality in the underground aquifers that sustain this cave-dwelling fish. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, with tourism development and limestone quarrying activities further threatening the integrity of its cave habitat.
Habitat
This species inhabits underground karst cave systems and associated groundwater networks in Yunnan Province, China. It occupies the dark, oxygen-poor waters of limestone caves where it has adapted to a completely subterranean lifestyle.
