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Percomorpha
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<h2 id="evolution">Evolution</h2> <p>Percomorpha are the most <a href="/facts/Biodiversity/GruakEzs">diverse</a> group of <a href="/facts/Teleost/1YULPGW5">teleost</a> fish today. Teleosts, and percomorphs in particular, thrived during the <a href="/facts/Cenozoic/yFslcz6n">Cenozoic</a> <a href="/facts/Era_(geology)/0gqadCDc">era</a>. Fossil evidence shows that there was a major increase in size and abundance of teleosts immediately after the <a href="/facts/Mass_extinction_event/HloJubtR">mass extinction event</a> at the <a href="/facts/Cretaceous%E2%80%93Paleogene_extinction_event/HNyDuEcx">Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary</a> c. 66 <a href="/facts/Million_years_ago/DXcnXuAw">Ma</a> ago.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> The oldest known percomorph fossils are of the early <a href="/facts/Tetraodontiformes/e65czV4A">tetraodontiforms</a> <i><a href="/facts/Protriacanthus/eICrPNw7">Protriacanthus</a></i> and <a href="/facts/Cretatriacanthidae/Q6IRhgG5">Cretatriacanthidae</a> from the <a href="/facts/Santonian/NWM9bl28">Santonian</a> to <a href="/facts/Campanian/MoPSxcqL">Campanian</a> of <a href="/facts/Italy/tUf0PDYF">Italy</a> and <a href="/facts/Slovenia/EcYU22W4">Slovenia</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a> A higher diversity of early percomorphs is also known from the <a href="/facts/Campanian/MoPSxcqL">Campanian</a> of <a href="/facts/Nard%C3%B2/ee3oMevX">Nardò</a>, Italy, and these also show some level of diversification into modern orders, with representatives of the <a href="/facts/Syngnathiformes/Q6fVGHfS">Syngnathiformes</a> and Tetraodontiformes known.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a> Possibly the oldest percomorph is <i><a href="/facts/Plectocretacicus/FRrzdADQ">Plectocretacicus</a></i> from the <a href="/facts/Cenomanian/atR50Pe7">Cenomanian</a> of <a href="/facts/Lebanon/2dReTXyp">Lebanon</a>, which may be a stem-tetraodontiform; however, some morphological analyses indicate that it shows similarities with non-percomorph groups.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a> </p> <h3>Taxonomy</h3> <p>Many of the orders placed in Percomorpha today were originally placed in an expanded <a href="/facts/Perciformes/DJeXbX7W">Perciformes</a>, hence many sources often referring to that order as the most diverse vertebrate clade. However, more recent studies have found such a placement to be paraphyletic, and many have thus been moved to their orders within Percomorpha.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> </p><p>The Percomorpha are an extremely diverse group with at least 22 orders according to <a href="/facts/Eschmeyer%27s_Catalog_of_Fishes/fpGIhCaq">Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> Other authorities find a different number of orders depending on the classification used. </p><p>The following taxonomy is based on Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes (2025), with additional suborders based on other studies:<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a> </p> <ul><li>Clade Percomorpha <ul><li>Subseries Ophidiida <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Ophidiiformes/nspA8b11">Ophidiiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Ophidioidei/vX30ywSA">Ophidioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Cusk-eel/p78Dqyb4">cusk-eels</a>, <a href="/facts/Pearlfish/7NhF4vxY">pearlfishes</a> and allies (4 families) <a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a></li> <li>Suborder Bythoidei – <a href="/facts/Viviparous_brotula/Usmq54WE">viviparous</a> and <a href="/facts/False_brotula/x5uzHddM">false brotulas</a> (2 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries Batrachoidida <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Batrachoidiformes/aWqxN1QF">Batrachoidiformes</a> – <a href="/facts/Toadfish/yIAwbFRD">toadfishes</a> (1 family)</li></ul></li> <li>Subseries Gobiida <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Gobiiformes/wEClWA56">Gobiiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Apogonoidei/WF1p9wNF">Apogonoidei</a> (=order <a href="/facts/Kurtiformes/WF1p9wNF">Kurtiformes</a> <i><a href="/facts/Sensu/ho2gtX2C">sensu auct.</a></i>) – <a href="/facts/Nurseryfish/6N3MmUTI">nurseryfishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Cardinalfish/NQ0HaQGt">cardinalfishes</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Trichonotus/7V0Lmmq3">Trichonotoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Trichonotus/7V0Lmmq3">sand divers</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Gobioidei/wEClWA56">Gobioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Gobies/DVTzCgGI">gobies</a>, <a href="/facts/Eleotridae/PnGqHrWS">sleepers</a> and allies (7 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries <a href="/facts/Syngnatharia/Q6fVGHfS">Syngnatharia</a> <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Syngnathiformes/Q6fVGHfS">Syngnathiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Dactylopteroidei/Am90hnPG">Dactylopteroidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Pegasidae/fPFGuXt7">seamoths</a> and <a href="/facts/Dactylopteridae/Am90hnPG">flying gurnards</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Goatfish/kRzLFUCw">Mulloidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Mullus/TekrMunM">goatfishes</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Syngnathiformes/Q6fVGHfS">Callionymoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Dragonet/ydkaITXB">dragonets</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Syngnathoidei/Q6fVGHfS">Syngnathoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Seahorse/fl022TMM">seahorses</a>, <a href="/facts/Pipefish/t5NrgFcI">pipefish</a>, <a href="/facts/Trumpetfish/f4DD6h23">trumpetfish</a>, <a href="/facts/Cornetfish/juM0BFTe">cornetfish</a> and <a href="/facts/Shrimpfish/qcUy7eIR">shrimpfishes</a> (5 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries <a href="/facts/Pelagiaria/f5ewbf4c">Pelagiaria</a> <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Scombriformes/f5ewbf4c">Scombriformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Stromateoidei/F3kWEnqm">Stromateoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Medusafish/29pEqHBI">medusafishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Driftfish/8V6EQS6J">driftfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Stromateidae/PnaIgvGs">butterfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Squaretail/46qUehsf">squaretails</a>, <a href="/facts/Ariommatidae/1SHkQbzX">ariommas</a> and allies (6 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Scombroidei/CFbkzQ4o">Scombroidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Mackerel/cRk3eqrD">mackerel</a>, <a href="/facts/Tuna/7HtBI9EL">tunas</a>, <a href="/facts/Caristiidae/JKQh9Yev">manefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Pomfret/Djdshrsh">pomfrets</a>, <a href="/facts/Cutlassfish/G6q6auLm">cutlassfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Bluefish/8kFdaFzP">bluefish</a>, <a href="/facts/Chiasmodontidae/b0tMKYGk">swallowers</a>, <a href="/facts/Ragfish/8SLvhEA0">ragfish</a> and allies (10 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries <a href="/facts/Anabantaria/xDsdRavh">Anabantaria</a> <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Synbranchiformes/HxJBRvru">Synbranchiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder Mastacembeloidei – <a href="/facts/Mastacembelidae/zM44LkuS">freshwater spiny eels</a> and <a href="/facts/Earthworm_eel/Fbfq6mNz">earthworm eels</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Indostomoidei/5b8keYRc">Indostomoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Armoured_stickleback/5b8keYRc">armored sticklebacks</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Synbranchoidei/EglDY583">Synbranchoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Swamp_eel/EglDY583">swamp eels</a> (1 family)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Anabantiformes/wv1WkMGh">Anabantiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Anabantoidei/w0QloYD8">Anabantoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Gourami/xC1Qm1r8">gouramies</a> and <a href="/facts/Betta/oKIQestM">fighting fishes</a> (3 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Channoidei/zXmucpPt">Channoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Snakehead_(fish)/EWM3oEq0">snakeheads</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder Nandoidei – <a href="/facts/Nandidae/XAVyU1ef">Asian leaffishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Chameleonfish/QwzhBgl9">chameleonfishes</a>, and <a href="/facts/Pristolepididae/KaM8Fg5n">mudperches</a> (3 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries <a href="/facts/Carangaria/xDsdRavh">Carangaria</a> <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Carangiformes/ICk93B2o">Carangiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Centropomoidei/nhGMU1lR">Centropomoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Barracuda/brUvJMbu">barracudas</a>, <a href="/facts/Latidae/7qVUKzDQ">lates perches</a>, <a href="/facts/Centropomus/hEhDoUYx">snooks</a> and <a href="/facts/False_trevally/mxdtW7sQ">false trevally</a> (4 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Pleuronectoidei/DMVK2f8g">Pleuronectoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Flatfish/DMVK2f8g">flatfishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Threadfin/eHXkHKgo">threadfins</a> (17 families)</li> <li>Suborder Toxotoidei – <a href="/facts/Archerfish/gfnIVX61">archerfishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Leptobrama/Fu1mvwos">beachsalmons</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Nematistioidei/qx3rUR5L">Nematistioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Roosterfish/qx3rUR5L">roosterfish</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Menoidei/hjf2mDPN">Menoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Mene/NL9jPDpW">moonfish</a> and <a href="/facts/Billfish/c9zRGIY3">billfishes</a> (3 families)</li> <li>Suborder Carangoidei – <a href="/facts/Carangidae/W30IdABI">jacks</a>, <a href="/facts/Trevally/W30IdABI">trevallies</a>, <a href="/facts/Pompano/tlmJP0NJ">pompanos</a>, <a href="/facts/Remora/GfRPzM0s">remoras</a>, <a href="/facts/Cobia/oSYRm66k">cobias</a> and <a href="/facts/Coryphaena/7wUFlPjV">dolphinfishes</a> (4 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries <a href="/facts/Ovalentaria/jEC0kIGR">Ovalentaria</a> <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Atheriniformes/2W0fjbhR">Atheriniformes</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Atherinopsoidei/mL0aqeQy">Atherinopsoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Neotropical_silverside/sHX1JQqy">Neotropical silversides</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Atherinoidei/RTLJ4Bre">Atherinoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Old_World_silverside/yPrSnloR">Old World silversides</a>, <a href="/facts/Rainbowfish/ttgjfjTX">rainbowfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Phallostethidae/v4d0WUWx">priapumfishes</a> and allies (10 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Beloniformes/xJGDKyIm">Beloniformes</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Ricefish/bIT7R932">Adrianichthyoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Ricefish/bIT7R932">ricefishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Buntingi/bIT7R932">buntingis</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder Belonoidei – <a href="/facts/Scomberesocidae/uBKlxsNK">sauries</a>, <a href="/facts/Needlefish/NpH9MeVJ">needlefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Halfbeak/g2EW8Dk5">halfbeaks</a> and <a href="/facts/Flying_fish/QFGUTTbX">flyingfishes</a> (5 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Cyprinodontiformes/YSTTuR0m">Cyprinodontiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Aplocheiloidei/RYCqmmSs">Aplocheiloidei</a> – Old and New World <a href="/facts/Rivuline/rKsEYWVv">rivulines</a> (3 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Cyprinodontoidei/zuhpqj7e">Cyprinodontoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Killifish/FGj6wxGV">killifishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Pupfish/bR5tyKnu">pupfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Goodeidae/JTPJMYAU">splitfins</a>, <a href="/facts/Livebearers/QxjlQWTp">livebearers</a>, <a href="/facts/Poeciliidae/DmRxVKUo">lampeyes</a> and <a href="/facts/Four-eyed_fish/1dojXC2L">four-eyed fishes</a> (11 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Cichliformes/56CEwAR3">Cichliformes</a> – <a href="/facts/Cichlid/xNuA9o1a">cichlids</a>, <a href="/facts/Polycentridae/owhWeyH8">leaffishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Pholidichthys_leucotaenia/Xf082S7F">convict blenny</a> (3 families)</li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Mugiliformes/zjEod6Yx">Mugiliformes</a> – <a href="/facts/Mullet_(fish)/zjEod6Yx">mullets</a> and <a href="/facts/Ambassidae/trLH56xP">Asiatic glassfishes</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Blenniiformes/6Pz1Bm1X">Blenniiformes</a> <ul><li>Unranked clades – <a href="/facts/Dottyback/QmX7Eppx">dottybacks</a>, <a href="/facts/Roundhead_(fish)/Gr0XkS4A">roundheads</a>, <a href="/facts/Damselfish/cCh6J2fw">damselfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Clownfish/ah4qoQXf">clownfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Surfperch/huhWLLGY">surfperches</a> and <a href="/facts/Opistognathidae/n6fS6pGt">jawfishes</a> (6 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Gobiesocoidei/72fPbRTn">Gobiesocoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Gobiesocidae/72fPbRTn">clingfishes</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Blenniiformes/6Pz1Bm1X">Blennioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Blennies/6Pz1Bm1X">blennies</a> (6 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li> <li>Subseries <a href="/facts/Eupercaria/xDsdRavh">Eupercaria</a> <ul><li>Order <a href="/facts/Perciformes/DJeXbX7W">Perciformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Percoidei/4b14aF44">Percoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Percidae/C0lXgd0X">perches</a>, <a href="/facts/Etheostomatinae/Rfl2PLVM">darters</a>, <a href="/facts/Serranidae/mNQPKCFE">seabasses</a>, <a href="/facts/Grouper/9A29GwXE">groupers</a>, <a href="/facts/Anthias/02PUK7Ql">anthias</a>, <a href="/facts/Weever/hATdX0zM">weeverfishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Bembropidae/1PXMwe5B">duckbills</a> (9 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Notothenioidei/fm5lga3R">Notothenioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Notothenioidei/fm5lga3R">icefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Dissostichus/wB11o0p7">toothfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Bathydraconidae/q2tj6w0D">Antarctic dragonfishes</a> and allies (8 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Scorpaenoidei/HcPKcYLL">Scorpaenoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Scorpaenidae/YBVEee5Q">scorpionfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Synanceiinae/n7R1HYHT">stonefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Sebastes/a2V45lmN">rockfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Platycephalidae/YoGf4kCI">flatheads</a>, <a href="/facts/Triglidae/zPhyHRTV">searobins</a> and allies (11 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Cottoidei/HcPKcYLL">Cottoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Sculpin/zNW7fuRW">sculpins</a>, <a href="/facts/Psychrolutidae/ID2YA5EL">psychrolutes</a>, <a href="/facts/Snailfish/2Wku75rI">snailfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Sablefish/ELvVYvNE">sablefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Hexagrammidae/NyE7y26a">greenlings</a>, <a href="/facts/Agonidae/3VJcorEe">poachers</a>, <a href="/facts/Trichodontidae/EDTnxXol">sandfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Cyclopteridae/IlkjgzM6">lumpfishes</a> and allies (11 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Gasterosteoidei/teHqvLlS">Gasterosteoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Stickleback/XlzA0HmJ">sticklebacks</a>, <a href="/facts/Korean_sandlance/hMwgJU2h">Korean sandlance</a> and <a href="/facts/Aulorhynchidae/qvpqwSvT">tubesnouts</a> (3 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Zoarcoidei/FW4xajSf">Zoarcoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Eelpout/Wo7YPKyS">eelpouts</a>, <a href="/facts/Anarhichadidae/TzSkx5FB">wolffishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Stichaeidae/fjyxbARR">pricklebacks</a>, <a href="/facts/Pholidae/HIaaxemF">gunnels</a>, <a href="/facts/Prowfish/feQPGL9v">prowfish</a> and allies (14 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Centrarchiformes/MsXJgd7Y">Centrarchiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Percalatoidei/T1qS3aIQ">Percalatoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Percalates/evQ6GV5n">Australian basses</a> (1 undescribed family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Terapontoidei/MsXJgd7Y">Terapontoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Terapontidae/bTpYCDl7">grunters</a>, <a href="/facts/Sea_chub/NfadgKRz">sea chubs</a>, <a href="/facts/Flagtail/fRIJD38T">flagtails</a>, <a href="/facts/Oplegnathus/BFXEjRDc">knifejaws</a>, <a href="/facts/Microcanthinae/fnk1UTwA">stripeys</a> and allies (9 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Centrarchoidei/MsXJgd7Y">Centrarchoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Centrarchidae/kD2zzavT">freshwater sunfish</a>, <a href="/facts/Siniperca_chuatsi/8zey8cvn">Chinese perches</a>, <a href="/facts/Old_wife/GG8gQxUa">oldwives</a>, <a href="/facts/Temperate_perch/IMTqTzu0">temperate perch</a>, <a href="/facts/Parascorpis/TqX84Era">jutjaws</a> and allies (7 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Cirrhitoidei/HFQoJHJN">Cirrhitioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Cirrhitidae/JFkIK3DK">hawkfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Chironemus/kUrgbgGX">kelpfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Aplodactylus/2RQbNAEf">marblefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Cheilodactylidae/WBaQHwHM">fingerfins</a> and <a href="/facts/Latridae/8jyaeoe9">trumpeters</a> (5 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Labriformes/cQFQXlrd">Labriformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Labroidei/cQFQXlrd">Labroidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Wrasse/gleyUjKA">wrasses</a>, <a href="/facts/Parrotfish/mqV6ShlV">parrotfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/False_scorpionfish/0Wcjsh8E">false scorpionfish</a> and <a href="/facts/Odacidae/cQABPoYa">weed whitings</a> (3 families)</li> <li>Suborder Uranoscopoidei – <a href="/facts/Sand_lance/QY4UAEGG">sandlances</a>, <a href="/facts/Stargazer_(fish)/J3g02Dzg">stargazers</a>, <a href="/facts/Southern_sandfish/XQlvJ4pk">southern sandfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Sandperch/CGp2xDVj">sandperches</a> and <a href="/facts/Torrentfish/rK9ewUoW">torrentfish</a> (5 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Acropomatiformes/n8D1gqSn">Acropomatiformes</a> (=Pempheriformes) – <a href="/facts/Acropomatidae/u8xqTwpl">lanternbellies</a>, <a href="/facts/Sweeper/ENpfRF7n">sweepers</a>, <a href="/facts/Gnomefish/gMKnwD5F">gnomefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Wreckfish/hQ6rr6D9">wreckfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Banjofish/JmQ5IKy6">banjofish</a>, <a href="/facts/Oceanic_basslets/1KfSdGvC">oceanic basslets</a>, <a href="/facts/Pentacerotidae/sSrKpQGQ">armorheads</a> and allies (20 families)</li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Acanthuriformes/GDWsVmPF">Acanthuriformes</a> – <a href="/facts/Surgeonfish/Q0ophgLo">surgeonfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Butterflyfish/xlC5GhWA">butterflyfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Rabbitfish/UHuzcf6Y">rabbitfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Pomacanthidae/TnVKds1n">marine angelfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Sciaenidae/EbbmjP9f">drumfish</a>, <a href="/facts/Haemulidae/DJ820poY">grunts</a>, <a href="/facts/Leiognathidae/3v3828Eo">ponyfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Mojarra/57dxMko2">mojarras</a>, <a href="/facts/Lutjanidae/U38YI569">snappers</a>, <a href="/facts/Temperate_bass/vbnv6ctw">temperate basses</a>, <a href="/facts/Spadefish/FneHHlok">spadefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Porgie/IVrvnnft">porgies</a>, <a href="/facts/Monodactylidae/p5Ivk5th">moonyfish</a>, <a href="/facts/Lobotes/YfaawwpX">tripletails</a>, <a href="/facts/Tilefish/DNY661eK">tilefish</a>, <a href="/facts/Scatophagidae/IrpKxYCg">scats</a>, <a href="/facts/Priacanthidae/VpIJ924E">bigeyes</a>, <a href="/facts/Boarfishes/Klf9TnPl">boarfishes</a> and allies (30 families)</li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Lophiiformes/oTpyBSjS">Lophiiformes</a> – <a href="/facts/Anglerfish/oTpyBSjS">anglerfish</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Goosefish/rVIHqJtM">Lophioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Goosefish/rVIHqJtM">goosefishes</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Ogcocephaloidei/1gdL4f3e">Ogcocephaloidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Ogcocephalidae/1gdL4f3e">batfishes</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Antennarioidei/2Va4Ry9m">Antennarioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Frogfish/caW00RTx">frogfishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Handfish/ClERmcn2">handfishes</a> (7 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Chaunacoidei/XJQCl0Xt">Chaunacoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Sea_toad/XJQCl0Xt">sea toads</a> (1 family)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Ceratioidei/xVFUEY95">Ceratioidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Deep-sea_anglerfish/xVFUEY95">deep-sea anglerfish</a> (11 families)</li></ul></li> <li>Order <a href="/facts/Tetraodontiformes/e65czV4A">Tetraodontiformes</a> <ul><li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Triacanthoidei/6GA0kNUy">Triacanthoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Spikefish/9UQc6qIW">spikefishes</a> and <a href="/facts/Triacanthidae/HLrPWMrS">triplespines</a> (2 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Tetraodontoidei/e65czV4A">Tetraodontoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Tetraodontidae/xh8qXNnw">pufferfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Porcupinefishes/2NVbRJjR">porcupinefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Molidae/CzWo9zLQ">ocean sunfishes</a> and allies (4 families)</li> <li>Suborder <a href="/facts/Balistoidei/REDSsaLp">Balistoidei</a> – <a href="/facts/Ostraciidae/tolWWfz1">boxfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Filefish/ja9eFmPN">filefishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Triggerfish/vlwrAaxP">triggerfishes</a> and allies (4 families)</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> <h3>Phylogeny</h3> <h4>External relationships</h4> <p>The two <a href="/facts/Cladogram/fWFYhUFo">cladograms</a> below are based on Betancur-R <i>et al.</i>, 2017.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a> Percomorphs are a <a href="/facts/Clade/XefyYmWn">clade</a> of <a href="/facts/Teleost/1YULPGW5">teleost</a> fishes. The first cladogram shows the interrelationships of percomorphs with other living groups of teleosts. </p> <table><tbody><tr><td><a href="/facts/Teleostei/1YULPGW5">Teleostei</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Elopomorpha/eEd7dLeX">Elopomorpha</a> (<a href="/facts/Elopiformes/P5vjjLXb">Elopiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Albuliformes/S69lRCBc">Albuliformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Notacanthiformes/YnQSanmL">Notacanthiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Anguilliformes/B8DMEUpu">Anguilliformes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Osteoglossocephala</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Osteoglossomorpha/uSd9SwbJ">Osteoglossomorpha</a> (<a href="/facts/Hiodontiformes/ERWPnLSS">Hiodontiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Osteoglossiformes/DekXqN05">Osteoglossiformes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Clupeocephala</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="/facts/Otocephala/Y3kgrKXT">Otocephala</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p>Clupei (<a href="/facts/Clupeiformes/Ck3cr4CR">Clupeiformes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p>Alepocephali (<a href="/facts/Alepocephaliformes/XJsFS3jX">Alepocephaliformes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Ostariophysi/BadPcY6l">Ostariophysi</a> (<a href="/facts/Gonorynchiformes/yuhkA2cz">Gonorynchiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Cypriniformes/U5H2jpsr">Cypriniformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Characiformes/IBe31BCA">Characiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Gymnotiformes/qxAk3qqJ">Gymnotiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Siluriformes/SHrSxpuH">Siluriformes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Euteleostei/RTu4uYNq">Euteleostei</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Lepidogalaxii</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Lepidogalaxiiformes/e1CgkSXl">Lepidogalaxiiformes</a> (salamanderfish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Protacanthopterygii/csrY5v9N">Protacanthopterygii</a> (<a href="/facts/Argentiniformes/58wjw3L2">Argentiniformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Galaxiiformes/WrWpeuV6">Galaxiiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Esociformes/kjsX5rsT">Esociformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Salmoniformes/gAw219CG">Salmoniformes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Stomiati/UjvJB8tp">Stomiati</a> (<a href="/facts/Stomiiformes/00hpcl6B">Stomiiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Osmeriformes/MHHBqE1k">Osmeriformes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Neoteleostei/KnpLjQzP">Neoteleostei</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Ateleopodia</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Ateleopodidae/KVnhdzec">Ateleopodidae</a> (jellynoses)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Eurypterygia</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Aulopa</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Aulopiformes/I8DJkDIl">Aulopiformes</a> (lizardfish) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ctenosquamata</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Scopelomorpha</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Myctophiformes/P8h6FGEv">Myctophiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Lanternfish/h0Lh3YlE">lanternfish</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Acanthomorpha/Fx5WoHBX">Acanthomorpha</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p>Lampripterygii (<a href="/facts/Lampriformes/3WomFkaW">Lampriformes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Paracanthopterygii/Y1FmbynB">Paracanthopterygii</a> (<a href="/facts/Percopsiformes/L9G1hfXh">Percopsiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Zeiformes/NBhPwAwc">Zeiformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Stylephoriformes/bv7XB73F">Stylephoriformes</a>, <a href="/facts/Gadiformes/9o5qy2hp">Gadiformes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Polymixiipterygii</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Polymixiiformes/9Ss7yIBd">Polymixiiformes</a> (beardfish) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Acanthopterygii/MYDc7AKP">Acanthopterygii</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Berycimorphaceae</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Beryciformes/cgLjphdl">Beryciformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Alfonsino/fhYddPEz">alfonsinos</a>, <a href="/facts/Whalefish/S4z5t6z4">whalefishes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Trachichthyiformes/H9MPksVJ">Trachichthyiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Pinecone_fish/GE60wGpx">pinecone fishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Slimehead/54bjusqk">slimeheads</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Holocentrimorphaceae</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Holocentriformes/MF5K8YCH">Holocentriformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Squirrelfish/BaNsBYJV">squirrelfish</a>, <a href="/facts/Myripristinae/BcrVQDue">soldier fishes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p>Percomorpha</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table> <h4>Internal relationships</h4> <p>The following cladogram shows the <a href="/facts/Phylogeny/f5vVEpeY">evolutionary relationships</a> of the various groups of <a href="/facts/Extant_taxa/YK8uj7qU">extant</a> percomorph fishes: </p> <table><tbody><tr><td>Percomorpha</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Ophidiaria</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Ophidiiformes/nspA8b11">Ophidiiformes</a> (cusk-eels) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Batrachoidaria</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Batrachoididae/aWqxN1QF">Batrachoididae</a> (toadfishes) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Pelagiaria</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Scombriformes/f5ewbf4c">Scombriformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Tuna/7HtBI9EL">tunas</a>, <a href="/facts/Mackerel/cRk3eqrD">mackerel</a>, etc.)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Syngnatharia</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Syngnathiformes/Q6fVGHfS">Syngnathiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Seahorses/fl022TMM">seahorses</a>, seadragon, etc.) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Gobiaria</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Gobiiformes/wEClWA56">Gobiiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Goby/cAhadSGs">gobies</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Kurtiformes/WF1p9wNF">Kurtiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Nurseryfish/6N3MmUTI">nurseryfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Cardinalfish/NQ0HaQGt">cardinalfishes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Anabantaria</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Anabantiformes/wv1WkMGh">Anabantiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Snakehead_(fish)/EWM3oEq0">snakeheads</a>, <a href="/facts/Siamese_fighting_fish/ytXeLRtT">Siamese fighting fish</a>, <a href="/facts/Gourami/xC1Qm1r8">gouramies</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Synbranchiformes/HxJBRvru">Synbranchiformes</a></p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Carangaria</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Polynemidae/eHXkHKgo">Polynemidae</a> (threadfins) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Lactariidae/mxdtW7sQ">Lactariidae</a> (false trevally)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Menidae/NL9jPDpW">Menidae</a> (moonfish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Part of "<a href="/facts/Carangiformes/ICk93B2o">Carangiformes</a>"</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Nematistiidae/qx3rUR5L">Nematistiidae</a> (roosterfish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Echeneidae/GfRPzM0s">Echeneidae</a> (remoras)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Coryphaenidae/7wUFlPjV">Coryphaenidae</a> (dolphinfish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Rachycentridae/oSYRm66k">Rachycentridae</a> (cobia)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Sphyraenidae/brUvJMbu">Sphyraenidae</a> (barracudas)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Centropomidae/hEhDoUYx">Centropomidae</a> (snooks) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Pleuronectiformes/DMVK2f8g">Pleuronectiformes</a> (flatfish) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Part of "<a href="/facts/Carangiformes/ICk93B2o">Carangiformes</a>"</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Carangidae/W30IdABI">Carangidae</a> (jacks)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Istiophoriformes/Fqo6b9Fg">Istiophoriformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Billfish/c9zRGIY3">billfish</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Leptobramidae/Fu1mvwos">Leptobramidae</a> (beachsalmons)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Toxotidae/gfnIVX61">Toxotidae</a> (archerfish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="/facts/Ovalentaria/jEC0kIGR">Ovalentaria</a></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cichlomorphae</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Cichliformes/56CEwAR3">Cichliformes</a> (cichlids, convict blennies)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Polycentridae/owhWeyH8">Polycentridae</a> (leaffish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Atherinomorphae</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Beloniformes/xJGDKyIm">Beloniformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Needlefish/NpH9MeVJ">needlefish</a>, <a href="/facts/Flying_fish/QFGUTTbX">flying fish</a>, <a href="/facts/Halfbeak/g2EW8Dk5">halfbeaks</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Atheriniformes/2W0fjbhR">Atheriniformes</a> (silversides, rainbowfish, etc.)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Cyprinodontiformes/YSTTuR0m">Cyprinodontiformes</a> (tooth-carps)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Ambassidae/trLH56xP">Ambassidae</a> (Asiatic glassfishes) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Congrogadidae/JbEBqcQS">Congrogadidae</a> (eel blenny) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Pomacentridae/Bjhbk6g9">Pomacentridae</a> (damselfishes, clownfish) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Embiotocidae/huhWLLGY">Embiotocidae</a> (surfperches)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mugilomorphae</td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Mugiliformes/zjEod6Yx">Mugiliformes</a> (mullets)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><i><a href="/facts/Lipogramma/Wfh630JM">Lipogramma</a></i></p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Plesiopidae/Gr0XkS4A">Plesiopidae</a> (roundheads)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Pseudochromidae/QmX7Eppx">Pseudochromidae</a> (dottybacks) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Grammatidae/GIsy9nwR">Grammatidae</a> (basslets)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Opistognathidae/n6fS6pGt">Opistognathidae</a> (jawfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Blenniimorphae</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Blenniiformes/6Pz1Bm1X">Blenniiformes</a> (blennies, <a href="/facts/Clinid/GFu5sVUF">clinids</a>, <a href="/facts/Sand_stargazer/NHLt6NzY">sand stargazers</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Gobiesociformes/72fPbRTn">Gobiesociformes</a> (clingfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td>Eupercaria</td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Gerreiformes/57dxMko2">Gerreiformes</a> (mojarras)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Uranoscopidae/J3g02Dzg">Uranoscopiformes</a> (stargazers)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Centrogenyidae/0Wcjsh8E">Centrogenyidae</a> (false scorpionfish)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Labriformes/cQFQXlrd">Labriformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Wrasse/gleyUjKA">wrasses</a>, <a href="/facts/Odacidae/cQABPoYa">cales</a>, <a href="/facts/Parrotfish/mqV6ShlV">parrotfish</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Perciformes/DJeXbX7W">Perciformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Perch/RmMxhGBa">perches</a>, <a href="/facts/Stickleback/XlzA0HmJ">sticklebacks</a>, <a href="/facts/Scorpionfish/YBVEee5Q">scorpionfishes</a>, etc.)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Centrarchiformes/MsXJgd7Y">Centrarchiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Black_bass/yqcPFkuo">black basses</a>, <a href="/facts/Temperate_perch/IMTqTzu0">temperate perches</a>, etc.)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Acropomatiformes/n8D1gqSn">Pempheriformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Pempheridae/ENpfRF7n">sweepers</a>, <a href="/facts/Banjofish/JmQ5IKy6">banjofish</a>, etc.)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Moronidae/vbnv6ctw">Moronidae</a> (temperate basses)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Sillaginidae/5UWsnDun">Sillaginidae</a> (smelt-whitings)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Ephippidae/FneHHlok">Ephippiformes</a> (spadefishes, batfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Butterflyfish/xlC5GhWA">Chaetodontiformes</a> (butterflyfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Sciaenidae/EbbmjP9f">Sciaenidae</a> (drums, croakers)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Acanthuriformes/GDWsVmPF">Acanthuriformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Surgeonfish/Q0ophgLo">surgeonfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Ponyfish/3v3828Eo">ponyfishes</a>) </p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Monodactylidae/p5Ivk5th">Monodactylidae</a> (moonyfishes, fingerfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Emmelichthyidae/Uv1XJHXk">Emmelichthyidae</a> (rovers)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Pomacanthidae/TnVKds1n">Pomacanthidae</a> (angelfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Lutjanidae/U38YI569">Lutjaniformes</a> (snappers)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Callanthiidae/dnW2HsVT">Callanthiidae</a> (splendid perches)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Malacanthidae/DNY661eK">Malacanthidae</a> (tilefishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Lobotidae/YfaawwpX">Lobotiformes</a> (tripletails)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Spariformes/BLbjXl9V">Spariformes</a></p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Siganidae/UHuzcf6Y">Siganidae</a> (rabbitfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Priacanthiformes/4TW6Scre">Priacanthiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Bigeye/VpIJ924E">bigeyes</a>, <a href="/facts/Bandfish/taaw57zp">bandfishes</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Scatophagidae/IrpKxYCg">Scatophagidae</a> (scats)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Caproiformes/Klf9TnPl">Caproiformes</a> (boarfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Lophiiformes/oTpyBSjS">Lophiiformes</a> (anglerfishes)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"><p><a href="/facts/Tetraodontiformes/e65czV4A">Tetraodontiformes</a> (<a href="/facts/Pufferfish/xh8qXNnw">pufferfishes</a>, <a href="/facts/Triggerfish/vlwrAaxP">triggerfishes</a>, etc.)</p></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Harvey, Virginia L.; Keating, 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