Blind Cave Fish

Blind Cave Fish

Description of the Blind Cave Fish
The Blind Cave Fish is also known as the Mexican Tetra, Blind Cave Tetra and Blind Tetra. It doesn't have any eyes or pigmentation, a very unusual looking fish! The Blind Cave fish is a very popular choice for the freshwater aquarium as it is hardy and relatively easy to keep. They use their lateral line sensory organs to find their way around, this sense organ is very sensitive to water pressure.

Profile of the Blind Cave Fish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Blind Cave Fish species.

• Size: Up to 12cm

• Fish Tank conditions: 20 -25 Degrees. PH 6.0-7.5

• Diet / Feeding: Dried, Flake or Frozen food

• Temperament: Peaceful Fish

• Habitat: Caves - Rocky river beds, Rivers and Deep Streams

• Range: Nearctic ecozone including Mexico

Scientific Classification of the Blind Cave Fish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus

• Popular Name: Blind Cave Fish - Mexican Tetra - Blind Tetra - Blind Cave Tetra

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Characiformes

• Family: Characidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Blind Cave Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Blind Cave Fish slimy?
Blind Cave Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Blind Cave Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Blind Cave Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Blind Cave Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Blind Cave Fish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Blind Cave Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Blind Cave Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Blind Cave Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Blind Cave Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Blind Cave Fish