Blind Cave Tetra

The exotic blind cave fish were discovered in a completely dark cave in Mexico. Also known as the Mexican tetra, blind cave tetra or blind fish, these fish don't have eyes or pigmentation. This unusual-looking fish is a bit nippy, as it tends to overcompensate, but it generally fits well in a community tank as long as there's good room to swim. These fish are very active as they troll for food and explore their surroundings; they are interesting additions to the fish tank.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Blind cave tetras find their way by sensing water movement, so they do fine in a normal tank. Give them open swimming space, smooth rocks and caves, and avoid sharp decorations. Lighting can be dim.

Feeding: Feed sinking pellets or flake once or twice a day. They find food by smell, so sinking foods work well. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They do well with robust, active fish of similar size like larger tetras, barbs, danios and rainbowfish. Avoid slow, long-finned fish, which they may nip.

Good to know: Blind cave tetras are born with eyes, which become covered by skin as they grow; they rely on their lateral line to sense their surroundings.