Curimatidae

Curimatidae is a family of freshwater fish belonging to the order Characiformes. They are commonly known as curimatids or curimata. This family is native to South America, with the majority of species found in the Amazon Basin and its tributaries. Curimatids are typically small to medium-sized fish, ranging from 5 to 20 centimeters in length. They are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, which are often covered in small, cycloid scales. The dorsal fin is typically long and continuous, extending to the tail fin, while the anal fin is shorter and separated from the dorsal fin by a gap.

The family Curimatidae is further divided into several subfamilies, including Curimatinae, Panaqueinae, and Panaqueini. Each subfamily contains several genera and species, with some genera being monotypic. Curimatids are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic organisms, including insects, crustaceans, and plant material. They are often found in slow-moving or still waters, such as backwaters, oxbow lakes, and flooded forests.

Curimatids are of interest to aquarists due to their unique appearance and relatively easy care requirements. However, they are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specific habitat requirements and the difficulty of obtaining them in the aquarium trade. Conservation efforts are ongoing for some species, particularly those threatened by habitat loss and pollution.