Characins are a vast and diverse family of fish that are hugely popular in the aquarium hobby. With well over 1000 species, how could you ever pick a favorite? In this episode, the Water Colors team does just that, narrowing the list down to our top 5 species of characins. Some are classics, and some are rare and unique. What are your favorites? Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Species mentioned in this episode:* Ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) * Lapis tetra (Hyphessobrycon cyanotaenia) * Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) * Crystal tetra (Protocheirodon pi) * Emperor tetra (Nematabrycon palmeri) * Jellybean tetra (agadesia roloffi) * Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) * Blue tetra (Knodus broki) * Beckford's pencilfish (Nannostromus beckfordi) * Espei pencilfish (Nannostromus espei) * Purple pencilfish (Nannostromus rubrocaudatus) * Lampeye congo tetra (Phenacogrammus aurantiacus) * Serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) * Marbled hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) * Bucktooth tetra (Exodon paradoxus) * Wimple piranha (Cataprion mento) * Redbellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) * Lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) * Tucano tetra (Tucanoichthys tucano) * Green fire tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) * Ruby tetra (Axelrodia riesei) * Blueberry tetra (Hyphessobrycon wadai)