Characidae is a large and diverse family of freshwater subtropical and tropical fish, belonging to the order Characiformes. Known as characins, members of this family are found in Central and South America.

The small size and beautiful colors of many of these fish make them popular aquarium fish, and larger members of the order, such as species of Brycon and even larger piranhas, are important as food resources.

They are characterized by well developed teeth (most are carnivores) and the presence of a pelvic fin (with five to twelve rays) and normally an adipose fin, and a body that is almost always scaled.

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