Blind cavefish can walk like tetrapods

 

Researchers have identified unique anatomical features in a species of blind, walking cavefish in Thailand that enable the fish to walk and climb waterfalls in a manner comparable to tetrapods, or four-footed mammals and amphibians.

 

Speaking of the unique anatomical structures seen in the cavefish, Cryptotora thamicola, NJIT's Brooke Flammang says, "It possesses morphological features that have previously only been attributed to tetrapods. The pelvis and vertebral column of this fish allow it to support its body weight against gravity and provide large sites for muscle attachment for walking." With respect to evolutionary significance, she adds, "This research gives us insight into the plasticity of the fish body plan and the convergent morphological features that were seen in the evolution of tetrapods."

 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160324133022.htm

I found a video of them in action. Jump to 1.27 to actually see it. The video url link in the above article just shows stills...disappointing. Isn't evolution wonderful? Definitely a 'wow' moment for me. To read about the transitional steps is one thing but to see such a step in action makes it really sink in. It looks like we crawled out of a dark cave and not the open sea or open watercourse, as I've always imagined before

Edited March 27, 20169 yr by StringJunky