Characiformes

Characiformes
Temporal range: Possible Cenomanian occurrence
Diversity of American characiforms from the Uberaba River basin
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
(unranked): Otophysi
Order: Characiformes
Regan, 1911
Type species
Charax gibbosus
Suborders

Characiformes /ˈkærəsɪfɔːrmz/ is an order of ray-finned fish, comprising the characins and their allies. Grouped in 18 recognized families, more than 2000 different species are described, including the well-known piranha and tetras.