Researchers have discovered two new species of blind cave loach in karst caves in northwestern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. The two species, formally named Troglonectes bottazzii (Bottazzi's cave loach) and Troglonectes chenlixini (Chen's cave loach) after two pioneering cave explorers, are described in a study published in Taxonomy, an international journal of biosystematics.

Long adapted to lightless underground habitats, the fish have evolved cave-specific traits, including degenerated eyes, translucent bodies and well-developed fatty crests on their caudal peduncles. They were found coexisting in the same underground river—a rare phenomenon among cave fish that offers new insights into adaptive differentiation.

Although the two species share similar cave adaptations, they exhibit distinct morphological differences that allow them to exploit different food sources and microhabitats, reducing competition. Given their limited habitats, researchers will conduct further monitoring and develop targeted conservation measures.