The Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) is one of the fresh water teleost fish models in evolutionary developmental biology. The existence of two morphs: eyed, pigmented surface fish and blind depigmented cavefish from multiple cave populations, provides a unique system to study adaptive radiation. Inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms of pools and backwaters of creeks and small to large rivers, and springs. Feeds on insects, crustaceans and worms.


R20 

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Scientific NameCommon NameSize Temperament 
Astyanax mexicanusMexican tetra  120mm Peaceful
Water TemperatureWater pHTank SizeDiet 
  20-25°C  6.5–8.0100 liters Omnivore
LifespanCareDifficulty BreedingMin Population
3-5 YearsEasyDifficult5
RobustnessWay of LivingSociabilityAvailability
HardyDiurnalSchoalingRare