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Glite Dictionary
characid

characid

9.9
A fish that lives in rivers and lakes in Central and South America
  • noun
  • /ˈkærəsɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : charácido
  • Many aquarists love keeping characids in their tanks.

Examples

  • The Amazon River is home to hundreds of different characid fish.

  • Scientists studied the diet of the characid to better understand the river's ecosystem.

  • Many aquarium enthusiasts keep characid species because of their vibrant colors and active swimming behavior.

  • The characid swam gracefully in the clear water.

  • Many aquarium enthusiasts keep characid species because of their vibrant colors and active swimming behavior.

  • The Amazon River is home to hundreds of different characid fish.

  • Scientists studied the diet of the characid to better understand the river's ecosystem.

Synonyms

characin
vscharacid
  • Specialized
9.9

A freshwater fish from Central and South America or Africa that is often bright in color

is mainly found in Central and South America rather than in Africa
characin fish
vscharacid
  • Specialized
8.7

A freshwater fish from Central or South America and Africa that is often brightly colored and kept in aquariums

is used for species in the other family common in Central and South America

Surface Forms

characid singular
characids plural

Etymology

Characid comes from the scientific family name Characidae, which itself comes from the Greek word charax meaning 'point' or 'stake'. This image of a 'point' may refer to the sharp fins or tooth-like shapes of some of these river fish, so characid today names many small freshwater fish from Central and South America.