Edit Astyanax mexicanus
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Name
Scientific name
Astyanax mexicanus
Described by
Authority De Filippi, Year 1853, Bracketed
Family
Characidae
Common names
Blind Cave Tetra
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The blind cave tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a characid found from Texas and New Mexico in the southern United States through Mexico into G…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
95mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 80 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–25°C, pH 6.5–8
Hardness
5–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Guatemala, Mexico, United States
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
The eyeless, troglomorphic form is found only in Mexico but this species is in fact widely-distributed from the southern United States of Texas and New Mexico,…
Habitat
The surface-dwelling form is something of a generalist and can be found in all kinds of habitat from flowing streams and rivers to ponds and lakes. The blind f…
Aquarium size
A tank with base dimensions measuring 80 ∗ 30 cm or similar should prove sufficient.
Maintenance
Being blind, the fish does not require any specific decor or form of cover, and can be kept in most types of setup. Plants are not harmed, as obviously they do…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Its captive diet should comprise quality dried products alongside plenty of small live and frozen foods.
Behaviour and compatibility
Hardy and peaceful, it's actually an excellent choice for the beginner and suitable for most community aquaria, though very shy or sluggish tankmates are best-…
Sexual dimorphism
Females tend to be larger and fuller-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs. The anal fin of the male has a slightly curved edge, while that of the fe…
Reproduction
Quite easily-bred provided a few simple requirements are met. A layer of mesh or similar should be suspended around 1/2" above the tank base in order to preven…
Notes
While the surface-dwelling form of this species is fairly unremarkable and rarely-seen in the hobby, the blind form is very popular indeed. The two may have di…
References
References
No references