A small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinodontidae, including killifish and topminnows, characterized by teeth on the jaws rather than in the throat.
From Modern Latin Cyprinodontidae, combining Greek kyprinos (carp) and odous (tooth), referring to the tooth placement that distinguishes these fish from true cyprinids. The family name was established in the 19th century.
Cyprinodonts are 'living fossils' that can survive in extreme conditions—some species live in hot springs, others in nearly salt-free deserts—and scientists use them to study how fish evolve to handle impossible environments.
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