G02, Al Tala-Block D, The Square Al Mamzar, Dubai, UAE P.O. Box 213944 RU
RU
Home News Rare Blind Fish Found in Iraq's Underground River

Rare Blind Fish Discovered in Iraq's Underground River

Aug 14, 2026
63 min
20
Aug 14, 2026 10:30
What lies beneath Iraq’s desert? A river filled with rare blind fish

## Hidden River in Anbar Desert

In a groundbreaking discovery, Iraqi environmental police have found an underground river beneath the Anbar desert, home to rare blind fish. This hidden ecosystem was located at Al Khasfa, a geological depression near Haditha.

## Challenging Exploration

The team descended over 500 meters into the cave system, facing low oxygen levels, to reach the water passage connected to the Euphrates river. The underground waterway is believed to extend over 130 kilometers eastward.

## Unique Fish Species

Researchers observed large numbers of blind fish, adapted to life in darkness. These fish, known locally as Haditha blind fish, lack functional eyes and have translucent or pale pink bodies due to the absence of sunlight. They rely on touch and their lateral-line system to navigate.

## Significant Findings

The expedition documented two main types of these fish, with a potential third type. Some specimens were larger than previously recorded. This marks the first documented discovery of its kind in Iraq and the Middle East.

## Conservation Concerns

The fish are considered threatened and are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. The discovery has sparked interest on Iraqi social media, with locals noting that Al Khasfa has been known to them for decades.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Guide illustration
Article contents