Scientists find new eyeless freshwater snail in Chinese cave
Researchers discovered a rare, eyeless freshwater snail species deep inside a high-altitude cave in China on October 20, 2026.
New species named after myth
The newly identified animal is called Erhaia dijiang. Scientists chose this name to honor Di Jiang, a faceless figure from ancient Chinese mythology. The creature has no eyes because its vision structures have completely degenerated over time.
Physical traits and habitat
This snail possesses a cone-shaped shell that is nearly transparent to the outside observer. Its body lacks any pigmentation, while long slender tentacles extend from its head. Researchers found only three living adults of this species during their survey.
First record for region
Until this finding, no freshwater cave snails had ever been documented in China. The discovery marks the first time such a mollusk has been recorded in the country. This find highlights the little-known aquatic ecosystems hidden beneath East Asia.
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