Como identificar Mexican Blind Cavefish

Para identificar Mexican Blind Cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

The surface form is typically silvery with a dark lateral stripe. The blind cave form is depigmented, appearing pinkish-white or translucent due to the absence of melanin.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Absence of eyes (blind cave form), Lack of pigmentation (blind cave form), Well-developed lateral line system, Adipose fin present

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, short-based dorsal fin located mid-body.

Nadadeira caudal

Forked caudal fin.

Nadadeira peitoral

Paired pectoral fins, typically clear.

Nadadeiras características

Small adipose fin present between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Eyes

   The most obvious distinguishing feature: surface forms have fully developed eyes, while cave forms lack external eyes, often having only rudimentary eye remnants beneath the skin.

2. 2

   Pigmentation

   Surface forms are silvery with a dark lateral stripe. Cave forms are unpigmented, appearing pale or pinkish.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   In blind cave forms, the lateral line system is highly developed and often more prominent, aiding in navigation and prey detection in darkness.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach 8-12 cm (3-5 inches) in standard length, with some individuals growing larger.

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