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Cynodontidae

Cynodontidae, from Ancient Greek κύων (kúōn), meaning "dog", and ὀδούς (odoús), meaning "tooth", also known as dogtooth characins or vampire tetras, are a family of predatory, characiform freshwater fishes from South America. This group is not very diverse, and includes only three genera and eight species. The largest species in this family ranges up to 117 cm (3.84 ft).

Taxonomy
This monophyletic family contains only a few species: three species of Cynodon, four species of Hydrolycus, and one species in the monotypic genus Rhaphiodon, Rhaphiodon vulpinus. These fish have been previously classified within Characidae. Species Hydrolycus species here are ordered based on their relationships from the most basal to the most apomorphic based on sister group relationships when possible. ==Physical characteristics==
Physical characteristics
Cynodontidae are elongated in shape with a silvery or grey colour and an upturned mouth. Some species have a hunchbacked appearance. The family names (both scientific and common) derive from the long and well-developed canines which are used to spear their prey, mainly other fish. Their pectoral fins are also expanded. The maximum length reached is . == Distribution and habitat ==
Distribution and habitat
Cynodontinae species are found throughout the Orinoco and Amazon basins, as well as the rivers of the Guianas. Of the cynodontines, R. vulpinus has the greatest distribution, including the Paraná-Paraguay River and Uruguay River basins. Fossil teeth have been found in the Magdalena River basin and Salta, Argentina, where cynodontines are not currently found. ==Relationship to humans==
Relationship to humans
Hydrolycus species are game fish, having been recently added to the International Game Fish Association in the fly and rod class. Cynodontid fish are also sometimes kept in aquaria. ==See also==
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