The Perciformes is the largest order of vertebrates and includes around 40% of all bony fish. Their name means perch-like. They are ray-finned fish and have over 7000 different species. There are many different sizes and colors, and they are found in fresh and marine enviroments. The first documented species appeared 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.

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Author: Rigo N

Published: 10/2008

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Photo Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Malabar_grouper_melb_aquarium.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parrotfish http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Astronotus_ocellatus.jpg