Real straight tetra

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Real straight tetra
Citharinus latus

Citharinus latus

Systematics
Cohort : Otomorpha
Sub-cohort : Ostariophysi
Otophysa
Order : Tetras (Characiformes)
Subordination : Straight tetra (Citharinoidei)
Family : Real straight tetra
Scientific name
Citharinidae
Günther , 1864

The real Geradsalmler (Citharinidae) are a family from the order of the tetra-like (Characiformes). They occur exclusively in the fresh waters of Africa .

features

Common features are the straight lateral line , relatively numerous fin rays in the pelvic fins , and some features of the skull structure. The high-backed body of the fish is covered with round scales, their maxilla , a bone of the upper jaw, is reduced and toothless. The anal and dorsal fin are relatively long, the anal fin has 16 to 24 fin rays, the dorsal fin 19 to 31. The largest representative of the real straight tetra is 84 centimeters long.

In order to concentrate the microscopic algae that serve as food, the citharinids produce mucus in their paired epibranchial organ inside the gill cover , to which the algae stick and are transported in a channel to the esophagus entrance.

Systematics

There are three genera, two of which are monotypical . The species of the former subfamilies Distichodontinae and Ichthyborinae that were formerly included in the actual Geradsalmler are now included in the family Distichodontidae .

literature

Web links