Caecobarbus geertsii

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/caecobarbus-geertsii

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Caecobarbus geertsii?Typically reaches a maximum length of approximately 15 cm (6 inches)
2. What is the scientific name?Caecobarbus geertsii
3. What is the conservation status?Vulnerable
4. Why can’t Caecobarbus geertsii see?Its eyes are very small and not functional. It relies on other senses instead.
5. How does Caecobarbus geertsii find food?It uses long barbels that feel and taste the water. These help it locate algae and tiny animals in the mud.

Oligophotic environment: An aquatic environment characterized by very low levels of light penetration.
Troglomorphic trait: A physical characteristic that has evolved in organisms living in caves or perpetually dark environments.
Benthic community: The assemblage of organisms that live on, in, or near the bottom of a body of water.