Freshwater
Mexican tetra
Astyanax mexicanus
Acestrorhamphidae, Acestrorhamphinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 12 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- At least 6 together
- Smallest aquarium
- 140 liters
- Diet
- Missing
Know what is missing? Suggest it in the app.
Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
More about the species
Description
Inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms of pools and backwaters of creeks and small to large rivers, and springs. Feeds on insects, crustaceans and worms. Migrates during winter to warmer areas.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Astianax mexicanus
- Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus
- Tetragonopterus fulgens
- Tetragonopterus mexicanus
- Tetragonopterus nitidus
- Tetragonopterus streetsii
In other languages
- Grottetra, Blindtetra
- Mexikansk tetra
- Blind cave characin, Blind Cave Tetra, Blind cavefish, Sardina Ciega
Articles
All articles
How many fish can I keep?4 min read
Why "one cm of fish per liter" falls short, and what adult size, schools, territory and swimming zones mean for how many fish a tank can hold.
Fish that get along4 min read
Temperament, fin nippers, fish that eat other fish, and fish that need the same water. And what the Harmony mark in the app means.
How to set up a Central American aquarium5 min read
Hard, alkaline water, sand and rock: an aquarium from the rivers and lakes of Mexico and Central America, with cichlids and livebearers.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.