
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fish)
Actinopterygii, or ray-finned fish, are a large group of fish characterized by their fins being supported by bony or spiny rays rather than fleshy lobes. These fish have a streamlined body, gills for breathing underwater, and a skeleton made primarily of bone. They include many familiar species like goldfish, bass, cod, and tuna. Ray-finned fish are highly adaptable, inhabiting diverse environments from freshwater rivers to deep oceans. Their unique fin structure allows for precise control and efficient movement through water, making them the most numerous and varied group of fish in the world.