The Family: Characidae

The family Characidae also known as the Characins is a diverse family of fishes with 1,150 species officially described by science. They are found native to North America, South America and Africa. The closest known marine relative of the family Characidae is the milkfish, scientific name is Chanos chanos. The family is characterized by having an adipose fin and teeth on their jaws. Other common traits found in most characins are the traditional “tetra” body shape and distinct cycloid shaped scales (scales that are smooth and overlapping).

In the home aquarium examples of iconic characins are the neon tetra, the piranha, the cardinal tetra, the ember tetra, and finally the pencilfish. The smallest known Characin in the world is the Bolivian Pygmy Blue Characin, scientific name Xenurobrycon polyancistrus which reaches a maximum size of 1.4 cm. The largest member of this family is the goliath tigerfish which can reach a length of 1.3 meters and weigh around 50 kg. The defining characteristic of this family is teeth on their jaws which mean that most members of this family are in fact carnivores. The second characteristic in common with this family is the presence of the adipose fin located in between the dorsal and the caudal fin (tail). This fleshy fin is believed to enhance the fishes ability to swim lending them significantly enhanced stability and maneuverability in the water.