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| Family Characidae |
| The family Characidae is large, with 776 species in 152 genera. They are distributed from southwestern Texas through Mexico and Central America to South America. In addition to being a large family, it is also very diverse with several morphological differences between various species, and sizes ranging from 1.3cm to 60.0cm. The deadly Amazon piranhas (Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus) belong to this group as do the South American tetras, and Astyanax mexicanus, a blind cave fish from Mexico. African tetras are in a separate family, Alestiidae. These fish are some of the most loved aquarium fish because they are generally small (~3cm), peaceful community fish. A large tank housing a dense shoal of cardinal tetras or other bright, small fish can be spectacular. The colorful tetras in particular are great for color and movement in a community tank. Click on the links below to read more about some characid species. |
Aphyocharax anisitsi
(Bloodfin tetra) |
Hemigrammus bleheri
(Firehead tetra) |
Paracheirodon axelrodi
(Cardinal tetra) |
Metynnis hypsauchen
(Silver dollar) |
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