Difference Between Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish

Following are some of the common differences between bony and cartilaginous fishes:

Parameters

Bony Fish

Cartilaginous Fish

Skeletal System

Made of bones

Made of Cartilages

Types of Scales

Cycloid or Ctenoid scales

Placoid scales

Buoyancy is Maintained by

Swim bladder

Large oily liver

Birth of Ofsrping

Oviparous

Oviparous as well as viviparous

Classification

Belong to class Osteichthyes

Belong to class Chondrichthyes

Operculum (gill cover)

Absent

Present

Tail (Caudal fin)

Homocercal (symmetrical upper and lower lobes)

Heterocercal (asymmetrical upper and lower lobes)

Habitat

Found in both freshwater and marine habitats

Found mainly in marine habitats except for a few freshwater species

Examples

Tilapia, Hilsa, Rohu, Tuna, Trout, etc.

Sharks, Rays, Guiterfish, etc.

Difference Between Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish

The difference between bony fish and cartilaginous fish is the study of all the differences that make the two groups of fish separate. Bony fish and cartilaginous fish are two diverse groups of aquatic vertebrates. Bony fish and cartilaginous fish both share certain similarities like the presence of gills and fins. But bony fish and cartilaginous fish are fundamentally different, based on their skeletal structure.

Bony fishes have a bony skeletal system due to which they are called so whereas cartilaginous fishes have a skeletal system made of cartilage due to which the group derived its name. In this article, we will look into the general characteristics of bony and cartilaginous fishes and their characteristic differences and similarities.

Table of Content

  • Difference Between Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish
  • What is Bony Fish?
  • What is Cartilaginous Fish?
  • Similarities Between Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish
  • FAQs on Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish

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Difference Between Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish

Following are some of the common differences between bony and cartilaginous fishes:...

What is Bony Fish?

Bony fishes belong to the class Osteichthyes. They fall under the superclass Pisces. The characteristic feature that distinguishes them from other members of the superclass Pisces is the presence of an ossified skeleton made of bone-forming tissues. They have streamlined bodies, specialized fins for movement in water bodies, scales in their body, swim bladders to maintain buoyancy underwater, etc. characteristics that help them to survive underwater....

What is Cartilaginous Fish?

Cartilaginous fishes in the class Chondrichthyes. They fall under the superclass of Pisces. The characteristic feature of this class is the presence of a cartilaginous skeleton instead of a usual bony one. They lack swim bladders instead have large, oily livers for buoyancy. However, most of them depend on constant swimming to remain afloat. They have placoid scales which are small, hard dentine-like structures that help to remove water resistance during swimming....

Similarities Between Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish

Even though the two classes of Pisces differed from each other, there are still some similarities that are seen:...

FAQs on Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish

What is the Difference Between Bony and Cartilaginous Fish?...

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