salivariae

Salivariae is a broad, informal grouping of sarcopterygian (lobe-finned) fishes that lived from the Devonian period to the present day. This group is characterized by the presence of fleshy, lobed fins that are supported by a central bone structure, distinguishing them from ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii). The name "Salivariae" is not a formal taxonomic rank but is sometimes used to encompass a diverse array of lineages, including lungfishes, coelacanths, and the tetrapods (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals).

The most distinctive feature of Salivariae is their paired fins, which are thought to have evolved into the limbs of terrestrial vertebrates. These fins possess a muscular base and a skeletal structure that is homologous to the bones found in the limbs of tetrapods, such as the humerus, radius, and ulna in the forelimbs. This evolutionary innovation is considered a crucial step in the transition of vertebrates from aquatic to terrestrial environments.

Living representatives of Salivariae include the lungfishes, which can breathe air using lungs in addition to gills, and the coelacanths, a group of deep-sea fishes with a remarkable fossil record and few living species. The vast majority of Salivariae, however, are extinct, with many forms known only from fossils. The study of Salivariae is central to understanding vertebrate evolution, particularly the origins of tetrapods and the diversification of life on Earth.