Our Guide To Keeping Blind Cave Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Astyanax mexicanus
   • Common name: Blind Cave Fish
   • Family: Characidae
   • Origin: Caves in North America, especially Mexico and the United States
   • Adult length: Varies by species, typically around 7 to 12 cm
   • Lifespan: Varies by species, typically around 5 to 10 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Blind Cave Fish are adapted to dark environments, so provide a tank with low or no lighting. Use caves, rocks, and other structures for hiding places.
   • As they have no functional eyes, decorations should be arranged to prevent injury, and substrate should be smooth to avoid damage to their barbels.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Blind Cave Fish are hardy but prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use a gentle filter to avoid strong water flow, as Blind Cave Fish are not strong swimmers.

5. Diet:

   • Blind Cave Fish are omnivores; offer them a varied diet of high-quality flake or pellet food, along with live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
   • They may not compete well for food in a community tank, so consider a species-specific setup.

6. Tank mates:

   • Keep Blind Cave Fish in a species-only tank as they may struggle to compete for food with sighted fish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping tank mates.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Blind Cave Fish rely on their other senses due to the absence of eyes. They are sensitive to vibrations and have an interesting schooling behavior.
   • Provide a secure environment to reduce stress, as they can be more susceptible to stress-related illnesses.