Ray-Finned Fishes

The Actinopterygii, more commonly known as the ray-finned fishes, are a highly diverse group of vertebrates with more than 20,000 known species. Actinopterygii come in many shapes and sizes. Most species are torpedo-shaped, a shape that enables them to swim with great efficiency. Others such as the flatfishes, catfish and anglerfish have flattened bodies (either side-to-side or dorsoventrally) that are more suited for bottom dwelling habits.