Characiformes is an order of ray-finned fish comprising the characins and their allies, grouped into 18 recognized families with more than 2,000 described species, including the well-known piranhas and tetras. Characins are most diverse in the Neotropics, found throughout lakes and rivers of South and Central America, with at least 209 further species native to Africa.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Geographic DistributionMost diverse in the Neotropics, in lakes and rivers of South and Central America 1 Defining CharacteristicsWeberian apparatus connecting swim bladder and inner ear 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceBody almost always covered in well-defined scales 1 Sources
1. Characiformes, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph
Characiformes is an order of ray-finned fish, comprising the characins and their allies.
Distribution
Characins are most diverse in the Neotropics, where they are found in lakes and rivers throughout most of South and Central America.
Anatomy, Weberian apparatus
Characins possess a Weberian apparatus, a series of bony parts connecting the swim bladder and inner ear.
Anatomy, body
The body is almost always covered in well-defined scales.
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