Characins
Characins are a very prolific type of fish. If you have been keeping tropical fish at any point, chances are that one of the species you kept was a characin.This is a rather large family of species and includes almost all of the fish labelled as tetras in the aquarium hobby today. Also included are the
- African Characins
- Headstanders
- Leporinus
- Tetras
- Hatchetfish
As you can see, this is a widespread group of fish. They are indigenous to many parts of Central and South America as well as being well distributed throughout much of Africa.
There are at least 1500 species presently identified in the genera, and the count is probably much closer to 2000.
It has been noted in much of the literature that Characins, in general, have very good hearing. This is due to the fact that their hearing organ is directly attached to the swim bladder.
This configuration allows the fish to use the swim bladder as a sounding board to identify sounds much better than many other types of fish. They are particularly sensitive in high frequencies. They are also known to have a chemical warning system as well.
Characins, as a whole are usually schooling fish. In the case of most of the tetras, they should be kept in groups of at least five to seven to feel comfortable and somewhat protected.
Their noise sensitivity also should be taken into account when locating their aquarium. They should be kept in quiet locations. High traffic areas are also usually quite noisy and will stress the fish when exposed to such an environment for a long time.
In most cases, the greatest distinguishing feature of the Characin species is the adipose fin found just before the tail under the fish.
It is known that most of the genera are carnivores. The piranha is one of the best known. There are enough herbivores and omnivores mixed into the set that it is difficult to make a blanket statement for all.
Many of the smaller ones, especially the tetras, are peaceful schooling fish and can be easily integrated into a variety of community aquariums. It is always best to get expert advice on a particular species addition to an aquarium installation from the knowledgeable staff at one of the Centre d'Animaux NATURE stores - before purchasing a particular characin.
The typical elongated body and strong swimming ability derives mainly from adapting to a native habitat with strong flowing water and plenty of oxygen in the water.
This usually translates into a longer tank with plenty of swimming room. There is usually no worry as to the filter currents being generated, they often will simply swim against them.
Many of the native South American habitats are discolored "black water" ones. Fish form these prefer softer, somewhat acid water if possible. Again, individual species do have different preferences and some investigation of an interesting type is well worth it before adding to an established aquarium.
