Perciformes

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 540 words | Copyright

Perciformes (class Osteichthyes, subclass Actinopterygii) An order of perchlike fish that, in terms of the number of families belonging to it (about 146), is by far the largest order of fish. All species possess a spiny-rayed first dorsal fin and a soft-rayed second dorsal fin, with several spines preceding the soft rays of the anal and pelvic fins. The pelvic fins are inserted just behind or in front of the Pectoral fins. The scales are usually of the ctenoid type. Representatives include the tiny gobies as well as the giant marlins.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Perciformes." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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