TETRA – BLIND CAVE / MEXICAN
Astyanax mexicanus
$14.99
The Blind Cave Tetra, also known as the Mexican Tetra, diverged from the surface dwelling form of this species that occurs throughout Mexico, the southern United States (Texas and New Mexico) and Guatemala. Living in caves and caverns, the loss of the Blind cave tetra’s eyes and pigment allowed it to allocate energy toward developing other sensory receptors in order to live in this environment. One such example is its extremely sensitive lateral line, a sensory organ that allows it to detect minute changes in the water. With the help of its lateral line, the Blind cave tetra can memorize a detailed spatial map of its surroundings in order to navigate efficiently and find food. Blind cave tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. An adult Blind cave tetra can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Blind Cave Tetra, also known as the Mexican Tetra, diverged from the surface dwelling form of this species that occurs throughout Mexico, the southern United States (Texas and New Mexico) and Guatemala. Living in caves and caverns, the loss of the Blind cave tetra’s eyes and pigment allowed it to allocate energy toward developing other sensory receptors in order to live in this environment. One such example is its extremely sensitive lateral line, a sensory organ that allows it to detect minute changes in the water. With the help of its lateral line, the Blind cave tetra can memorize a detailed spatial map of its surroundings in order to navigate efficiently and find food. Blind cave tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. An adult Blind cave tetra can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: Blind cave tetra are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 to 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Blind cave tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal. Given that they are blind, the aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular but a finer substrate, driftwood and rock arrangements will bring out the beauty of this tetra. Blind cave tetra are semi-agressive, and any observed nipping at tank mates is likely an accident while trying to locate food. Mix Blind cave tetra with other species that match their more energetic personality, while avoiding shy species that may feel intimidated. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 10-20, pH 6.5-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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