Serrasalmidae
| Serrasalmidae Temporal range: Miocene - present |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Serrasalmus manueli | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: |
Serrasalmidae Bleeker, 1859 |
| Genera | |
|
Acnodon |
|
Acnodon
Catoprion
Colossoma
Metynnis
Mylesinus
Myleus
Myloplus
Mylossoma
Ossubtus
Piaractus
Pristobrycon
Pygocentrus
Pygopristis
Serrasalmus
Tometes
Utiaritichthys
Serrasalmidae is a family of characiform fishes, recently elevated to family status. It includes about 94 species. The name means "serrated salmon family", which refers to the serrated keel running along the belly of these fish. Fish classified as Serrasalmidae are also known by these common names: pacu, piranha, and silver dollar. These common names generally designate differing dental characteristics and feeding habits.
Serrasalmids are medium- to large-sized characiform fishes that reach about 1 m (3.3 ft) long, generally characterized by a deep, laterally compressed body with a series of midventral abdominal spines or scutes, and a long dorsal fin (over 16 rays). Most species also possess an anteriorly directed spine just before the dorsal fin extending from a supraneural bone; exceptions include members of the genera Colossoma, Piaractus, and Mylossoma.
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