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.

Characteristics of Bony Fish

Some of the characteristic features of bony fish are:

  • They have bony skeletons due to the ossification of bone tissues.
  • They have scales over their body for protection.
  • They have an air-filled swim bladder that helps them to maintain buoyancy.
  • They have paired fins in the pectoral and pelvic regions of the body.
  • They have unpaired fins in dorsal, caudal, and anal regions of the body.
  • They have a specialized “lateral line system” sensory organs throughout the body to detect any vibration under water and changes in water pressure.
  • They mainly show external fertilization with the help of water as a medium.
  • They are found in both freshwater and marine habitats.
  • Examples: Tilapia (freshwater), Catfish (freshwater), Sardine (marine), Herring (marine), Goldfish (freshwater), Salmon (freshwater and marine), Trout (freshwater), Hilsa (freshwater), Rohu (freshwater), 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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