๐พ
Species
Mexican tetra
Astyanax mexicanus
Fishes
Species Overview
A small freshwater characin (family Characidae) native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. This species is extraordinary because it exists in two dramatically different forms: a surface-dwelling, eyed, pigmented river form and a cave-dwelling (troglobitic) blind, depigmented form. Surface fish are typical small tetras (~8 cm), silver with a dark lateral stripe and large eyes. Cave populations (at least 30 independent cave lineages in the Sierra de El Abra limestone) have independently evolved eye degeneration, loss of pigmentation (albinism), enhanced non-visual senses (lateral line, olfaction, taste), increased fat storage, altered sleep patterns (reduced or absent sleep), and changes in behavior (reduced schooling, increased aggression). These parallel evolutionary changes make A. mexicanus a premier model for studying regressive evolution, adaptation to extreme environments, and the genetic basis of trait loss. Eye degeneration involves multiple loci including Shh overexpression inducing lens apoptosis. They are omnivorous. Females lay hundreds of eggs. The genome is sequenced. Lifespan: 5โ10 years. IUCN: Least Concern (surface); cave forms are vulnerable.
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