Tetraodontiformes, also called Plectognathi, is an order of ray-finned fish that includes the pufferfishes and related taxa, represented by about 10 extant families and around 430 species found throughout the world, mostly in marine waters though a few occur in fresh water. The order has traditionally been classified as a suborder of Perciformes, though recent studies place it as a sister taxon to the anglerfish order Lophiiformes within a broader group, Acanthuriformes.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionFound throughout the world 1 Defining CharacteristicsA body plan radically departing from the streamlined form typical of most fishes, often defended by scales modified into strong plates or spines 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceBody forms range from nearly square or triangular boxfishes and globose pufferfishes to laterally compressed filefishes and triggerfishes 1 Sources
1. Tetraodontiformes - Wikipedia
Introduction (rank)
an order of ray-finned fishes
Introduction (name)
is an order of ray-finned fishes
Introduction (member count)
10 extant families and at around 430 species overall
Introduction (distribution)
They are found throughout the world
Description section (body plan)
a variety of body shapes, all radical departures from the streamlined body plan typical of most fishes
Description section (body forms)
range from nearly square or triangular (boxfishes), globose (pufferfishes) to laterally compressed (filefishes and triggerfishes)
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