| Ctenoluciidae | |
|---|---|
| Ctenolucius hujeta | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Superfamily: | Erythrinoidea |
| Family: | Ctenoluciidae |
The Ctenoluciidae (meaning "comb light family"), also known as pike-characins, are a small family of freshwater fishes from Panama and South America.
They have elongated, pike-like bodies, and several sharp and conical teeth. They are relatively large (up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length), predatory fish.
Some of these fish, such as Ctenolucius hujeta, enter the aquarium fish hobby, often being labeled a "freshwater barracuda" or "freshwater needlefish", descriptions of fish that are both unrelated to members of this family.
The two genera in this group are: