Popular name Blind Cave Tetra.Origin Subterranean streams and pools in Mexico. Size 2-2.5 inches.Appearance A silvery rose-tinted fish. Vestigial eyes and orbits vergrown with skin. These fish are derived from Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus which have normal eyes. It is believed that a long time agothese fish were carried by currents into subterranean streams and the eyes atrophied and became useless. Behavior Blindness does not present a serious handicap to this fish. It can be kept in a community tank with other fishes. A heightened sense of smell and vibration enables the fish to find its food and avoid bumping into other fishes.Water conditions Can be kept and bred in moderately soft or moderately hard, nearly neutral waters. Temperature 78°F. Sexing Shape is the only guide. Males are distinctly slimmer than females. Breeding This is easy with large mature specimens; 400 to 800 semiadhesive eggs are laid, which hatch in 36 hours. Fry have small eyes, which are probably functional. They can be reared in the usual manner, commencing with infusoria as first food. Recommended feeding system Aquaze tropical.

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