Serrasalminae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Serrisalminae Fossil range: Miocene - Present
Serrasalmus manueli
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae
Genera
Acnodon Catoprion Colossoma Metynnis Mylesinus Myletes Myleus Myloplus Mylossoma Ossubtus Piaractus Pristobrycon Pygocentrus Pygopristis Serrasalmo Serrasalmus Tometes Utiaritichthys

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.

[edit] Taxonomy

Currently, the fish of this group are classified as a subfamily of Characidae. However, there are some sources that classify these fish in their own, separate family "Serrasalmidae."

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]

[edit] Common names

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.

---