Astyanax jordani

(Hubbs and Innes, 1936)

Vernacular names
English : Blind cave tetra
French : Tétra aveugle

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Characiformes
Family : Characidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults reaches 12 cm in length. Their whole body is pink with conspicuous black-dotted lateral line. This species has evolved from Astyanax mexicanus about 300,000 years ago. Strong jaws and complete lack of eyes.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Mexico and only occurs in the province of San Luis Potosi, in the subterranean cave river system of Cueva Chica. Lives in streams, lakes, papyrus swamps, betweeen 0 and 20 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is vulnerable to loss of habitat and overcollection because of its very small range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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