WFB 232 Ichthyology
Taxonomy, Week 7 14 March 2005
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii
Subclass Neopterygii
Division Teleostei
Subdivision Euteleostei
Superorder Stenopterygii
Order Stomiiformes (lightfishes, hatchetfishes, dragonfishes)
Similar to Salmoniformes, but jaws are more dexterous
Adipose fin is present in most; soft-rayed, physostomic, gas bladder in most
Scales cycloid (when present), photophores present in most
Distribution: Deep-sea, worldwide
Body shapes: highly variable; anguilliform , compressiform, fusiform
Superorder Cyclosquamata
Order Aulopiformes (threadsails, tripodfishes, lizardfishes, telescopefishes)
Marine; soft-rayed; physoclistic or no gas bladder; most have adipose fin, photophores
Distribution: shallow warm water to very deep water
Mostly distinguished from Stomiiformes & Myctophiformes by fusions of branchial bones & musculature features
Some are predators, others are grazers
Superorder Scopelomorpha
Order Myctophiformes (Lanternfishes & blackchins)
Marine; shallow (surface) to deep water (2000m); worldwide; small - < 30 cm
Most have large eyes, photophores
Some genera (Diaphus, Lampanyctus, Myctophum, Tarleonbeania) make daily vertical migrations in water column – surface at night, deep water during daylight hours
Most are planktivorous; provide large quantities of food for other fishes
Superorder Lampridomorpha
Order Lampridiformes (oarfishes, ribbonfishes, opah or moonfish)
Marine; shallow to deep water, scales are cycloid (if present); physoclistus
Most are soft rayed, but some have modified spines in dorsal and anal fins
Many have bizarre coloration and fin shapes – sea serpents?
Oarfish – up to 8 m long, long pelvic fins, long dorsal fins
Tube-eyes – telescoping eyes, suction feed on plankton, live in deep water
Superorder Polymixomorpha
Polymixiiformes (barbudos, beardfishes)
Live in mid-depths of western Pacific & Atlantic oceans
“Composite” of many orders
Have long barbels off chin
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