Albuliform

Albuliform is a term used in ichthyology to describe a group of ray-finned fish within the order Albuliformes. These fish are characterized by their elongated, silvery bodies, often with a forked tail fin. They are typically found in tropical and subtropical marine waters, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal areas, estuaries, and sometimes even freshwater environments.

The Albuliformes order includes two extant families: Albulidae and Pterothrissidae. The Albulidae family, commonly known as bonefishes, contains several genera such as Albula and Dissoteuthis. These are the most well-known members of the albuliform group and are prized by anglers for their challenging sport. Pterothrissidae, on the other hand, is a monotypic family containing only the genus Pterothrissus.

Key features of albuliform fish include a terminal mouth, a single dorsal fin, and anal fins that are often opposite each other. Their scales are typically small and cycloid. They are generally omnivorous or detritivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and organic matter found in the sediment. Their larval stages are often characterized by a leptocephalus larva, a unique, transparent, and leaf-like form shared with eels and tarpons. Fossil evidence suggests that albuliform fish have a long evolutionary history.