Scientific Name
Astyanax mexicanus

Common Name
Mexican tetra

Biology
Inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms of pools and backwaters of creeks and small to large rivers, and springs. Feeds on insects, crustaceans and worms (Ref. 7020). Migrates during winter to warmer areas (Ref. 47195).

Classification

Classified By

De Filippi, 1853

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

Characins (Characidae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

North America: originally restricted to the Nueces, lower Rio Grande and the lower Pecos River drainages in Texas, USA; now established elsewhere in Texas (primarily streams on Edwards Plateau) and New Mexico, USA (throughout Pecos River system); also in eastern and central Mexico.

Range

36°N - 24°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous (Ref. 47195)

Trophic Level

3.23 s.e. 0.38 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

12.0 cm

Common Length

7.5 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated