Cave-dwelling fish added to endangered list

ST. LOUIS—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will add a small, cave-dwelling fish known only to a single southeast Missouri county to the list of endangered species.

The agency’s decision on Tuesday was also good news for Perry County: The grotto sculpin’s habitat was not designated a “critical habitat.” County officials had feared the designation could jeopardize economic development.

Instead, the service will rely on a voluntary conservation plan developed by federal, state and Perry County officials. It includes specific plans for improving water quality in the fish’s habitat.

“I think we can build a plan that allows us to protect our water quality and the environment, and still be economically efficient,” Frank Wideman, chairman of the Perry County Economic and Environment Committee, said in a statement.

The grotto sculpin lives in an area of Perry County that has hundreds of caves and thousands of sinkholes. It isn’t much of a looker—the Fish and Wildlife Service describes it as a fish with a pale skin color, with reduced—and sometime absent—eyes, common among animals that live in total darkness.

It is threatened by water contaminated by agricultural runoff, industrial water and other pollutants.

The small fish will be listed as endangered effective Oct. 25. The Fish and Wildlife Service said “endangered” means a plant or animal is in danger of becoming extinct. Listed species cannot be harmed, killed or harassed.

The Fish and Wildlife Service cited cooperation with residents and government in Perry County and with two state agencies, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in the decision not to designate a critical habitat.