In this article we are going to analyze Perciformes from different perspectives, with the aim of understanding its importance in today's society. Perciformes has captured the attention of experts and scholars due to its relevance in various fields, from economics to popular culture. Over the years, Perciformes has been the subject of debate and analysis by academics, activists, and even political leaders. In this sense, it is essential to explore the different facets of Perciformes to understand its impact on our environment, as well as the implications it has for the future.
Formerly, this group was thought to be even more diverse than it is thought to be now, containing about 41% of all bony fish (about 10,000 species) and about 160 families, which is the most of any order within the vertebrates.[2] However, many of these other families have since been reclassified within their own orders within the clade Percomorpha, significantly reducing the size of the group. In contrast to this splitting, other groups formerly considered distinct, such as the Scorpaeniformes, are now classified in the Perciformes.[3]
The dorsal and anal fins are divided into anteriorspiny and posteriorsoft-rayed portions, which may be partially or completely separated. The pelvic fins usually have one spine and up to five soft rays, positioned unusually far forward under the chin or under the belly. Scales are usually ctenoid (rough to the touch), although sometimes they are cycloid (smooth to the touch) or otherwise modified.
Classification
Classification of this group is controversial. As traditionally defined before the introduction of cladistics, the Perciformes are almost certainly paraphyletic. Other orders that should possibly be included as suborders are the Scorpaeniformes, Tetraodontiformes, and Pleuronectiformes.
Of the presently recognized suborders, several may be paraphyletic, as well. These are grouped by suborder/superfamily, generally following the text Fishes of the World.[2][6][7][8]