Acanthopteran

/ˌækænˈθɒptərən/ noun

Definition

A fish belonging to the group Acanthopterygii, characterized by spiny fins.

Etymology

From Greek 'akantha' (thorn) + 'pteron' (fin). The term combines the Greek words for spine and wing/fin, reflecting the distinctive sharp spines found in the dorsal and anal fins of these fishes.

Kelly Says

These spiny-finned fish represent one of the most successful groups of vertebrates, including everything from bass to seahorses. Scientists realized that the presence of these spines was such an important evolutionary innovation that they used it to classify an enormous range of modern fishes.

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