Serrasalminae

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iSerrisalminae
Serrasalmus manueli
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae
Genera
Catoprion  Colossoma  Metynnis  Myleus  Mylossoma  Pygocentrus  Serrasalmus  and 6 other genera

Serrasalminae is a scientific classification of fish within the Characidae family. The name Serralminae means "serrated salmon family", which refers to the serrated keel running along the belly of these fish.

However, the ongoing classification of these fish is difficult and often contentious, with ichthyologists basing ranks according to characteristics that may overlap irregularly (see Cladistics). DNA research sometimes confounds rather than clarifies species ranking. Ultimately, classifications can be rather arbitrary.^[1]

Fish classified as Serrasalminae are also known by the following common names:

• Pacú
• Piranha
• Silver dollar

These common names generally are applied according to differing dental characteristics and feeding habits.^[1]

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} Magallanes, Frank (2006-04-06). Subfamily Serrasalminae (Website). Oregon Piranha Exotic Fish Exhibit.

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