Moenkhausia
The genus Moenkhausia was described in 1903 by Carl H. Eigenmann. The genus is named after W.J. Moenkhaus, a friend of Mr. Eigenmann.
They are part of the Characidae family. Currently, more than 80 species have been assigned to this genus. That makes Moenkhausia the largest genus in the family.
These characins can reach a length of about 3.5 to 10 centimeters. They are found in much of South America.
The Aquarium
Moenkhausia are easy to keep in an aquarium. They are schooling fish and like some swimming space. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, the aquarium should be more than ten times their body length.
There are two species that have been kept in the aquarium for a very long time: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae – Red-eye Tetra and Moenkhausia pittieri – Diamond Tetra. These two species are regularly offered in most aquarium stores. The other types are less common and are often only available through specialized stores.
Taxonomy
As with many other Characidae, the way of classifying the species and genera is based on the description of more than a century ago. At that time, people did not yet have the means, such as X-rays and DNA sequencing, that we now have at our disposal.
A combination of morphological features was proposed and it is still used to diagnose the sex: the scales on the lateral line are entirely porous, the upper jaw (premaxilla) has two rows of teeth, the inner row with five teeth, and the caudal fin lobe partially covered with small scales.
Because these characteristics are not entirely unique to the genus Moenkhausia, it is uncertain whether this genus will continue to exist in its current form and name. The genus name is therefore given the scientific term Incertae sedis. New research may give us more information in the future.
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References
Moenkhausia lepidura (Kner, 1858) (Characiformes, Characidae): osteology and relationships
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