There are over 34,000 known species of fish, making them one of the most diverse groups of vertebrates on Earth. These species vary greatly in size, shape, habitat, behavior, and ecological niche. Fish inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, and even some freshwater and saltwater habitats.
Fish are classified into different taxonomic groups based on various characteristics, including anatomical features, genetic similarities, and evolutionary relationships. These taxonomic groups include:
Jawless Fish (Agnatha): Examples include lampreys and hagfish.
Cartilaginous Fish (Chondrichthyes): Includes sharks, rays, and skates, characterized by skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone.
Bony Fish (Osteichthyes): The largest group of fish, which includes most fish species. Bony fish have skeletons made of bone and are further divided into two subclasses: a. Ray-finned Fish (Actinopterygii): These fish have fins supported by bony spines or rays. Examples include trout, salmon, perch, and goldfish. b. Lobe-finned Fish (Sarcopterygii): These fish have fleshy, lobed fins with a central bony structure. Examples include coelacanths and lungfish.
Within each of these groups, there are numerous families, genera, and species, each adapted to specific environments and ecological niches. The diversity of fish species is immense, with new species still being discovered and described by scientists.
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