teleostostracan

Teleostostracan is a broad grouping of extinct ray-finned fishes. These fishes are characterized by the presence of bony scales, a trait that distinguishes them from their cartilage-boned relatives. The group encompasses a vast diversity of species that lived from the Devonian period to the present day. Teleostostracans represent the most successful and widespread group of vertebrates on Earth. Their evolutionary success is attributed to a combination of factors, including efficient swimming, diverse feeding strategies, and the ability to colonize a wide range of aquatic environments. Fossil records reveal a remarkable array of forms within this lineage, from small, schooling fish to large predators. Modern teleosts, such as salmon, tuna, and cod, are all descendants of this ancient and successful group. Their anatomy typically includes a swim bladder for buoyancy control, paired fins for maneuverability, and a homocercal tail for propulsion. The sheer number of extant species within Teleostostracan underscores their ecological importance and adaptability.