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Mexican Blind Cave Tetra

Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus

Description

This fish is similar to minnows in shape. Because there is no pigment in the body, it appears flesh-colored or pale red. Adults reach a length of about 3.5 inches. As the name implies, this species is totally blind. It can, however, move through the water without bumping into other fish or into objects, thanks to an extremely sensitive lateral line.

Distribution and Habitat

This subspecies is found in freshwater pools in caves throughout central Mexico.

Diet

The diet consists of animal and plant remains swept into the caves, as well as those included in bat droppings that fall into the water.

Scientific Classification

phylum Chordata
subphylum Vertebrata
superclass Osteichthyes
class Actinopterygii
order Characiformes
family Characidae
genus & species Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus

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SKC Films Library >> Science >> Zoology >> Fishes >> Class Actinopterygii

This page was last updated on June 14, 2017.