Characinidae

/ˌkærəsɪˈneɪdiː/ noun

Definition

The scientific family name for all characin fishes, a large group of freshwater fish with sharp teeth and small adipose fins.

Etymology

From Greek 'charax' (pointed stake) with the Latinized family suffix '-idae' used in taxonomic nomenclature to denote a biological family.

Kelly Says

Every fish in the enormous Characinidae family—from tiny neon tetras to aggressive piranhas—shares that Greek name referring to their pointy teeth, which must have impressed early naturalists.

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