Freshwater Aquarium Guide -- Characidae

Characidae:

The Characidae or Characins are a family of freshwater subtropical and tropical fish, belonging to the Order Characiformes. They originate in the Americas from southwestern Texas and Mexico through Central and South America. They vary in length with the smallest growing to a maximum length of 0.5 in (13 mm).

The Characidae or Characin Family is found in numerous types of water throughout South America. These fish require lots of oxygen in the water and are sensitive to noise. Characins can be divided into subfamilies including Characidiinae, Characinae, and Serrasalminae.

They are a fish with a relatively flat-bellied profile. The body is elongated and the fish is usually seen resting on its pectoral fins. The body color depends on the species as does the body pattern. The fins are transparent on nearly all species.

The Characidae or Characins are peaceful loners that should be kept singly or in large groups of eight or more fish. If kept in groups smaller than about eight, fish act aggressively. Combine with small to medium-sized fish of upper swimming levels. They are an inquisitive fish, always investigating the tank floor.

Their diet can be supplemented with: live bloodworms, glass-worms, brine shrimp, tubiflex worms, daphnia, plankton, beef heart, flakes and freeze dried foods

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