The Tetra Family – Characidae

There are currently THREE members of the Tetra or Characidae Family, each found in all freshwater systems of Mexico,  presented in this website:

FROM THE FRESHWATER SYSTEMS (3):

The Tetras or Characidae Family is a very large family and diverse group of freshwater subtropical and tropical fish that that currently has one thousand and forty-nine global members that have been placed into one hundred forty-nine genera. This family is currently undergoing significant systematic and taxonomic changes. They are one of the very few completely freshwater fish families that are indigenous to Africa and South America. They are known in Mexican fishing waters as pepescas and sardinitas.  Family members include the Piranhas of the Amazon River, the Tetras, and even a Blind Cave fish. There are seven family members found in the freshwater systems of Mexico, with three being presented in this website:

The Charachidae vary significantly in morphology with great anatomical diversity within each genus. Many species are retained as uncharacterized unidentified museum collections. They are characterized by well-developed teeth, the presence of a pelvic fin with five to twelve rays and most have an adipose fin between the caudal and dorsal fins with a body that is covered with scales. The Charachidae vary in length ranging from 1.9 cm (0.75 inches) to 1.4 m (4 feet 7 inches) with the majority being less than 3.0 cm (1.2 inches).

The Charachidae are found in a wide range and variety of habitats. They are found from southwest Texas, southwest Mexico through Central America south to South America. The majority are found in rivers as low elevations.

They are popular aquarium fishes due to their small size and beautiful colors. Some of the larger members of the family are considered to be important food fishes. A few are actively pursued as game fish. They are considered to be an important component of various food chains.  They consume amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. In turn they are preyed upon by birds, larger fish, and mammals. They date to the upper Tertiary and upper Miocene Periods, sixty-six million years ago.