Blobfish
Main Characteristics of Percomorphs
From clownfish to lionfish to tuna – the vast group of perch relatives couldn't be more diverse!
What Are Percomorphs?
Percomorphs are a very large group of bony fish. There are over 17,000 species, making up more than 50% of all fish species in the world. The most well-known include the European perch, the red tuna, and the clownfish. Due to the sheer number of different species, they exhibit a wide range of appearances and have adapted to many habitats. Most of them live in the sea, but there are also numerous species that inhabit lakes and rivers.
Main Characteristics of Percomorphs
1. Most Species Have Spines
Most Percomorphs possess hard spines in their dorsal fin. For instance, lionfish have a particularly high number of these spines. However, there are exceptions like the clownfish. While it does have spines, they are so short that they are hardly noticeable. Ultimately, it is protected by the stinging sea anemones, which means it doesn't rely as heavily on spines for defense compared to other fish.
2. They Look Very Different
Percomorphs are incredibly diverse. Many species are brightly colored like a rainbow, while others are more subdued in gray and brown tones. They can be large and robust, or slender and narrow. Some have a dorsal fin, while others do not. There are even species without a dorsal fin at all. Few other animal orders exhibit such diversity.
3. Their Relationships Are Complex
Percomorphs represent the most species-rich order of fish. With over 17,000 species, the relationships among them are so intricate that scientists frequently have to revise their classifications. New studies and findings continually emerge, leading to regular reclassification of these fish into different orders and families.
Percomorphs Family Tree
Amazing Facts About Percomorphs
- The percomorphs are a very diverse group of animals.
- There are over 17,000 different species.
- Some of the most well-known include the blobfish, pufferfish, grouper, lionfish, boxfish, and remora.
- Many percomorphs have spiny dorsal and pelvic fins.
- These fish are carnivores, meaning they eat other fish or invertebrates.
- Percomorphs can look very different from one another.
- Many have oval bodies, bright colors, and/or striking patterns.
- The largest percomorph are the Atlantic bluefin tuna, black marlin, blue marlin, and swordfish. They can grow to lengths of 13-16 feet (4-5 meters) and weigh 880-1650 pounds (400-750 kg).
- The smallest percomorph is the golden darter, which only reaches a length of 1.1 inches (2.9 cm).
