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Blind cave tetra — printable fact sheet
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Blind cave tetra
Astyanax mexicanus
The blind cave tetra is a remarkable freshwater fish known for its complete lack of eyes and pigmentation, adaptations for life in dark subterranean caves. Unlike its surface-dwelling relatives, this fish has evolved to rely on heightened senses of smell and vibration detection …
Did you know?
- Some populations of blind cave tetras have evolved independently in different cave systems, making them a classic example of convergent evolution.
- Blind cave tetras are born with eyes, but the eyes degenerate and are absorbed as the fish matures. They are able to navigate using their lateral line system, which detects vibrations and changes in water pressure. Despite living in darkness, they are closely related to sighted, surface-dwelling tetras and can interbreed with them.
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