12 Animals Who See The World Without Eyes

SLITHER SENSES: ATRETOCHOANA

The Atretochoana is an odd-looking species that was recently discovered in the Amazon river. While it may look like a snake, it is actually a closer relative to the salamander. The slick creature has shocked most scientists since it is able to live without eyes or lungs. Researchers are now working to learn more about this rare find, since almost nothing is known. (Daily Mail)

ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU: MEXICAN TETRA

The Mexican Tetra is a blind fish species that inhabits caves and has adapted to its pitch black surroundings. Evidence of this adaptation is present in the fish's lack of eyes. These non-sighted swimmers use water pressure to get around. Surprisingly, even though the fish have been fine without eyes for generations, some mates can still produce sighted offspring. (National Geographic)

DITCH THE EYES: TEXAS BLIND SALAMANDER

After years of living in underground waters, the Texas Blind Salamander decided that eyes were an unnecessary accessory and evolved to the point of not having any. Instead of sight, this animal uses water pressure waves to travel and hunt. (Texas Parks & Wildlife)

FEELING BREEZY: NAKED MOLE RAY

Unlike some on this list, the naked mole rat comes equipped with eyes, but they're more of a decorative organ. While this animal can see a bit, it relies on its other senses to get through life. To prove the naked mole rat isn't big on eyesight, researchers observed them in the light and darkness, noting that there was no change in their behavior. (San Diego Zoo)

UNDERWATER MAGIC: SEA URCHINS

Until recently, researchers were unsure of the sea urchin's vision, but they knew the creature could see in some capacity. Sea urchins respond to light by changing color, moving towards the source, or twitching, showing they have some sense similar to sight. Turns out the animals produces a light-sensing protein that helps them find the source. (Cosmos)

NO EYES ISLE: KAUAI CAVE WOLF SPIDER

The Kauai cave wolf spider is one of the rarest creatures on the planet, living only in a remote part of Hawaii. If you do spot this spider it will be easy to identify, because this arachnid has no eyes. Unlike other wolf spiders which have several large eyes, this relative has adapted to live without them. (Mother Nature Network)

HOME SIGHTLESS HOME: KENTUCKY SHRIMP

Kentucky shrimp live solely in the Mammoth Cave area of Kentucky. The tiny critters have no eyes thanks to their powers of adaption. These shrimp rely on other senses to get around their dark abode. Sadly, since the species are concentrated in one area, they are at high risk due to recent pollution in their waters. (Oh, Ranger)

LONG LIVE THE SIGHTLESS: THE OLM

The olm, a European cave-dwelling salamander, has amazed scientists with its adaptive skills. Not needing eyes in its dark environment, the olm uses special senses to get around, including a sense that can detect electricity. This way of life is serving the olm well, as shown by its 100-year lifespan. (Discover Magazine)

INCOGNITO: BLIND ALBINO CAVE CRAB

What is known about the blind albino cave crab can mostly be gathered from its name. This small, pale, sightless creature solely lives in the caves of Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, but scientists know little else. The one misleading bit of information is that these animals are actually squat lobsters, not crabs. (PAWS)

THE SEEING TOUCH: HYDRAS

A miniature relative of jellyfish, known as hydras, bob their way through the deep without eyes. Scientists were originally puzzled how the species was able to find its way to the light without the sense of sight, but it was later discovered the hydras have a light-sensing protein on the tips of their tentacles. (Scientific American)