Subfamily Cynodontinae Cynodon Hydrolycus Rhaphiodon Subfamily Roestinae Gilbertolus Roestes Cynodontidae, also known as dogtooth characins or vampire tetras, are a family of predatory, characiform freshwater fishes from South America.

Cynodontidae are elongated in shape with a silvery or grey colour and an upturned mouth.

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.

[1] These fish live in midlevel to surface waters of rivers, lakes, and flooded forests.

Most species of this family originate from the Orinoco and Amazon basins, as well as rivers of the Guianas.