Series Acanthopterygii – spiny-rayed fishes
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Acanthopterygii. A,C,A,N,T,H,O,P,T,E,R,Y,G,I,I.
Taxonomic Rank: Series
Key Characteristics: True fin spines, pelvic girdle attached to cleithrum, ctenoid scales, advanced pharyngeal jaw mobility
Biological Context: Largest and most diverse series of teleosts. Includes reef, pelagic, and freshwater species. Fin spines and jaw innovations support ecological dominance and predator avoidance. Order Mugiliformes – mullets
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Mugiliformes. M,U,G,I,L,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Two dorsal fins, thick lips, gizzard-like stomach, schooling behavior
Biological Context: Coastal and estuarine omnivores. Important in nutrient cycling and aquaculture. Exhibit tolerance to salinity changes and detritus feeding. Order Atheriniformes – silversides
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Atheriniformes. A,T,H,E,R,I,N,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Small body size, silvery lateral stripe, surface-oriented swimming
Biological Context: Found in freshwater and marine environments. Serve as forage fish and indicators of water quality. Often used in behavioral and ecological studies. Order Beloniformes – needlefishes and flyingfishes
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Beloniformes. B,E,L,O,N,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Elongated jaws, surface-dwelling, modified pectoral fins (in flyingfishes)
Biological Context: Adapted for surface feeding and predator evasion. Flyingfishes glide above water to escape threats. Needlefishes are fast, visual predators.
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Order Cyprinodontiformes – killifishes, pupfishes, livebearers
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Cyprinodontiformes. C,Y,P,R,I,N,O,D,O,N,T,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Small body size, upturned mouth, internal fertilization (in some), tolerance to extreme environments
Biological Context: Found in freshwater and brackish habitats. Includes species adapted to hypersaline, desert, and ephemeral pools. Important in evolutionary biology and conservation genetics.
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Order Synbranchiformes – swamp eels
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Synbranchiformes. S,Y,N,B,R,A,N,C,H,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Elongate body, reduced or absent fins, air-breathing capability
Biological Context: Found in tropical freshwater systems. Adapted for burrowing and surviving low-oxygen conditions. Exhibit extreme morphological plasticity. Order Beryciformes – squirrelfishes and relatives
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Beryciformes. B,E,R,Y,C,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Large eyes, spiny fins, nocturnal behavior
Biological Context: Reef-associated and deep-sea species. Important in nocturnal reef ecology and visual adaptations to low light. Order Stephanoberyciformes – pricklefishes and whalefishes
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Stephanoberyciformes. S,T,E,P,H,A,N,O,B,E,R,Y,C,I,F,O,R,M,E,S.
Taxonomic Rank: Order
Key Characteristics: Soft-bodied, reduced skeleton, deep-sea distribution
Biological Context: Rare and poorly understood. Exhibit extreme adaptations to pressure and darkness. Important for studying deep-sea vertebrate evolution.