Actinopterygii
Definition
Actinopterygii, also known as ray-finned fishes, are a diverse class of bony fishes characterized by their fin rays. They are the largest class of vertebrates in terms of species count and ecological diversity.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Actinopterygii includes both freshwater and marine species.
- Their fins are supported by thin, bony structures called lepidotrichia or fin rays.
- They exhibit a wide range of reproductive strategies, including oviparity and viviparity.
- The swim bladder in many actinopterygians aids in buoyancy control.
- Major groups within Actinopterygii include Teleostei, Holostei, and Chondrostei.
Review Questions
- What structural feature distinguishes Actinopterygii from other fish classes?
- What is the function of the swim bladder in many actinopterygians?
- Name three major groups within the class Actinopterygii.
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Related terms
Teleostei: A subclass of Actinopterygii that includes most modern bony fishes.
Holostei: An infraclass within Actinopterygii that includes gars and bowfins.
Chondrostei: A subclass of Actinopterygii that includes sturgeons and paddlefish.
