Acanthopterygian

/ˌækænθɒptəˈrɪdʒiən/ noun

Definition

A member of the fish group Acanthopterygii, which includes most modern bony fishes with spiny fins.

Etymology

From Greek 'akantha' (thorn) + 'pterygion' (small fin or wing). This scientific term became the formal taxonomic classification for a major division of fishes.

Kelly Says

Nearly half of all vertebrate species are acanthopterygians—they're so successful that when you go fishing or buy fish at the grocery store, you're almost certainly encountering members of this group.

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