, also called the Percomorphi
, include about 40% of all bony fish
and are the largest order of vertebrates
. The name Perciformes
-like. They belong to the ray-finned fish
and comprise over 7000 different species, with varying shapes and sizes, found in almost all aquatic environments. They are also the most variably sized order of vertebrates, ranging from the 7mm (0.3 in) Schindleria brevipinguis
to the 5m (16.5 ft) large Makaira
species. They first appeared and diversified in the Late Cretaceous
Perciform fish typically have dorsal
and anal fins
divided into anterior spiny
and posterior soft-rayed portions, which may be partially or completely separated. There are usually pelvic fins
with one spine and up to five soft rays, either positioned by the throat or under the belly. Scales are usually ctenoid
in form, though sometimes they are cycloid
or otherwise modified. Various other, more technical characters define the group.
Classification is controversial. As traditionally defined the Perciformes are almost certainly paraphyletic. Other orders that should possibly be included as suborders are the Scorpaeniformes, Tetraodontiformes, and Pleuronectiformes. Of the presently recognized suborders several may be paraphyletic as well.
These are grouped by suborder/superfamily, generally following Fishes of the World.