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spiny-finned fish
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Body plans of Beryciformes and Zeiformes. Body plans of Lampridiformes and Atheriniformes. leafy sea dragon
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Body plans of Beryciformes and Zeiformes.
Body plans of Beryciformes and Zeiformes.

spiny-finned fish

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Also known as: Acanthopterygii, spiny-rayed fish
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Also called:
spiny-rayed fish
Body plans of Lampridiformes and Atheriniformes.
Body plans of Lampridiformes and Atheriniformes.

spiny-finned fish, any member of the superorder Acanthopterygii, including four orders of marine and freshwater fishes having fins with some spiny (as opposed to soft) rays—Atheriniformes, Beryciformes, Zeiformes, and Lampridiformes.

The atheriniform is the best known of the spiny-finned group, including flying fishes, guppies, mollies, swordtails, and California grunion. Beryciforms and zeiforms are mostly deep-bodied fishes a foot or less in length. Most lampridiforms are elongated, ribbonlike fishes; the giant oarfish can reach 8 m (25 feet) in length. Beryciforms, zeiforms, and lampridiforms are the most primitive groups of spiny-finned fishes. Most live in the open ocean, and relatively little is known of their natural history.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.