Blind Cave Tetra - Astyanax jordai (fasciatus mexicanus)

Its almost bizarre appearance has lent its name to the Blind Cave Tetra from Mexico. Nevertheless, this curiosity, which belongs to the true tetras, is not a torture breed, as one would assume. Astyanax mexicanus, as it is scientifically called, has simply developed its eyes back in the course of the time due to its way of life in dark caves - because it simply did not need them. According to literature several species of Blind Cave Tetras exist with different localities and names, so A. mexicanus is also treated as Astyanax jordani or as subspecies Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus. After DNA investigations the Pancuo Tuxpan forms (likewise the animals with locality from the El Pachon cave) are counted therefore to A. jordani.

Typical for tetras, the Blind Cave Tetra also has a slight high back and of course an adipose fin between dorsal and caudal fin. In the basic color it is rather pink to silvery, which is to be led back on a likewise developed back pigmentation. Remarkable are its back-developed eyes, which nevertheless allow up to 20% visual acuity. It orients itself mainly with its for it the more strongly developed lateral line system, which replaces its sight. They grow to a size of about 8-10 cm. Because of these characteristics the animals do not distinguish the time of day, they should only be kept in a species aquarium without other by-fish, otherwise they could upset them by their behavior.

The aquarium for the Blind Cave Tetra should hold at least 54 liters. A sandy substrate is well suited, caves and hiding places are also readily accepted by the animals. Also roots or stone constructions secured against falling over say to them and are gladly used as retreat place in addition, as precinct marking. In contrast to other aquariums, the Blind Cave Tetra can almost completely do without planting and even lighting, as this could interfere with their swimming needs. In order not to renounce nevertheless on a good vegetation offer themselves above all Floating plantsbut also Mosses or smaller perching plants such as Anubias, Javafarn or Bucephalandra , which can cope with sparse light.  The water should be medium hard to hard and have a pH value of 6 to 7.8. At a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees, the great animals can be kept great. The attitude with dwarf shrimps is rather not recommended, since they pursue these.

Breeding of the Blind Cave Tetra is also possible in the aquarium. As typical for free spawners, the female spreads her eggs throughout the aquarium into the open water, where they sink to the bottom. To keep the juvenile rate as high as possible, it is recommended to mate the animals in a spawning tank and then move them quickly. After a few days the first young hatch and need another while until they swim free. They can then be fed with slipper fish but also Artemia nauplii.

The Blind Cave Tetra is an omnivore, which easily eats food tablets in the aquarium, but also sinking granules for omnivorous ornamental fish. It sometimes nibbles on soft plants, which is why its menu can be spiced up with scalded vegetables. Besides that it can also be fed with live or frozen food like Daphnia, Mosquito larvae, Artemia or enchytraea.

Our food recommendation: This NatureHolic main feed is a professional staple food for all aquarium fish. Main feed we supply in the form of soft granules, which thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter can be easily absorbed by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free from algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.