Banded astyanax (Astyanax fasciatus)

Scientific name: Astyanax fasciatus Cuvier, 1819

Banded astyanax (Astyanax fasciatus)

The Banded astyanax (Astyanax fasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 9 cm (3.5 in). It is difficult to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 18–26°C (64–79°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.8. Native range: Central America, underground cave waters in Mexico.

Banded astyanax care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
9 cm (3.5 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
18–26°C (64–79°F)
pH
6.0–7.8
Hardness
10–30 dGH (178–535 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 2. One maxillary tooth.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Astyanax fasciatus
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
16.8
Common length
12.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
North, Central and South America: most freshwater basins from Mexico to Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More tetras & characins

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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