Meet North Alabama’s Newly Discovered “Demon Cavefish”

A new fish species has been discovered in North Alabama – and researchers are calling it the Demon Cavefish.

During a routine survey of Bobcat Cave, UAH biologist Dr. Matthew Niemiller wasn’t searching for a new species. He was photographing cave life when an accidental slip startled a fish hiding beneath a rock ledge. Days later, while reviewing his photos, he realized he had documented something scientists had never seen before.

The discovery led to the identification of an entirely new species-and even a new genus-of cavefish hidden beneath Redstone Arsenal for decades. The Demon Cavefish (Demogorgonichthys arcanus) was named for its mysterious underground habitat and its ability to remain undiscovered for so long.