Cavefish of China

China has a large number of cavefish species, which are mainly found in the southwestern parts of the country. Chinese cavefish are dominated by species in the genera Sinocyclocheilus, Triplophysa, Oreonectes, Troglonectes, and Yunnanilus. We describe the distribution, the diversity, the characteristics, and the adaptive significance of constructive and regressive cavefish traits, and explain the phylogeny and evolution of Chinese cavefish. We also discuss the current status of Chinese cavefish conservation.