This oddball tetra is originally found in limestone caves and prefers a cool, hardwater aquarium.Although blind, this fish is often first to the foodand should not be kept with shy tankmates
Subtropical. Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0-8.0, dH: up to 20 degrees.
Compatibility
Specialist community
Lighting
Low
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females will be larger and fuller bodied.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
Blind Cavefish are best maintained in groups of at least 6 specimens, in a darkened rocky-themed aquarium to mimic their natural habitat of underwater caves. They are a very active species and will require a tank at least 36" long. The aquarium should be well covered as these fish can easily jump from an open tank. Many aquarists prefer to house Blind Cavefish in a species-only aquarium as they often nip at other smaller, more peaceable tankmates. Blind Cavefish navigate their way around the aquarium by use of the lateral line organ. Food is easily located with their heightened sense of smell.
May also be seen on sale as the Blind Cave Tetra.
Feeding
Flakes, micropellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc.
Breeding
Water chemistry is unimportant, provided that it is clean and of a subtropical temperature (18-21 °C). Blind Cavefish will spawn over Java moss/spawning mops and the parents should be removed once the female is exhausted of eggs. After 24-72 hours, the eggs will hatch, and the fry become free-swimming after 5-6 days. The young can be fed on crushed flake food and baby brineshrimp. The fry will be born with eyes, but their sight will deteriorate rapidly and the eyes will become covered within a few weeks.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here