Subdivision Teleostei – teleosts
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Teleostei. T,E,L,E,O,S,T,E,I.
Taxonomic Rank: Subdivision
Key Characteristics: Mobile premaxilla, homocercal tail, cycloid or ctenoid scales, swim bladder, advanced jaw protrusion
Biological Context: Most diverse vertebrate clade. Teleosts dominate freshwater and marine ecosystems. Innovations in jaw structure and fin control enabled adaptive radiation into nearly every aquatic niche. Superorder Elopomorpha – tarpons, eels, bonefishes
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Elopomorpha. E,L,O,P,O,M,O,R,P,H,A.
Taxonomic Rank: Superorder
Key Characteristics: Leptocephalus larvae, elongate bodies, reduced or absent pelvic fins
Biological Context: Primitive teleost group with indirect development. Includes both pelagic and benthic species. Larval form is transparent and leaf-like, adapted for dispersal in ocean currents.
This is a a big one, and you need to know:
Orders and Families within Elopomorpha
Order Elopiformes – tarpons and ladyfishes
Elopiformes. E,L,O,P,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Key Characteristics: Forked tail, large scales, terminal mouth Biological Context: Coastal pelagic predators with ancestral traits
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Order Albuliformes – bonefishes
Albuliformes. A,L,B,U,L,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Key Characteristics: Slender body, inferior mouth, burrowing behavior Biological Context: Shallow water specialists; important in sport fisheries
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Order Anguilliformes – true eels
Anguilliformes. A,N,G,U,I,L,L,I,F,O,R,M,E,S .Key Characteristics: Elongate body, lack pelvic fins, continuous dorsal-anal-caudal fin Biological Context: Includes both freshwater and marine eels. Many are catadromous, migrating to the ocean to spawn.
Family Muraenidae – moray eels
Muraenidae. M,U,R,A,E,N,I,D,A,E .Key Characteristics: No pectoral fins, pharyngeal jaws, thick skin Biological Context: Reef-associated predators with powerful bite and cryptic behavior
Family Ophichthidae – snake eels
Ophichthidae. O,P,H,I,C,H,T,H,I,D,A,E .Key Characteristics: Pointed tail, burrowing adaptations, reduced fins Biological Context: Benthic dwellers in sandy or muddy substrates
Family Congridae – conger eels
Congridae. C,O,N,G,R,I,D,A,E .Key Characteristics: Robust body, well-developed fins, nocturnal Biological Context: Found in rocky and coral habitats; important in food webs
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Superorder Osteoglossomorpha – bonytongues
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Osteoglossomorpha. O,S,T,E,O,G,L,O,S,S,O,M,O,R,P,H,A
Taxonomic Rank: Superorder
Key Characteristics: Bony tongue with teeth, electrosensory systems, large scales
Biological Context: Basal teleost group found in freshwater habitats. Includes species with air-breathing capabilities and parental care. Important for understanding early teleost evolution.