Bony fish – Definition & Meaning

Bony fish, also known as Osteichthyes, are a diverse group of fish that make up the majority of fish species on earth. They are characterized by their bony skeletons, as opposed to cartilaginous fish such as sharks and rays. Bony fish can be found in freshwater and saltwater environments all over the world, and are an important source of food for humans and other animals.

Definitions

Bony fish are defined as any fish that has a bony skeleton, as opposed to a cartilaginous skeleton. This includes a wide variety of fish, from tiny minnows to massive tuna.

Origin

Bony fish evolved from their cartilaginous ancestors around 400 million years ago. They are thought to have evolved their bony skeletons as a means of support and protection, and this adaptation allowed them to become more successful in a variety of environments.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The term “bony fish” is widely recognized and used in scientific literature, but it may not be as commonly known outside of the scientific community. In dictionaries, the term is generally defined as any fish that has a bony skeleton.

Associations

Bony fish are associated with a wide variety of habitats, including freshwater and saltwater environments, as well as coral reefs, kelp forests, and deep sea trenches. They are also an important source of food for humans and other animals, and are often used in aquaculture.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for bony fish, including Osteichthyes (the scientific name), teleosts, and ray-finned fish.

Antonyms

The antonyms of bony fish are cartilaginous fish, which include sharks, rays, and chimaeras.

The same root words

The root word for bony fish is “oste-” which means bone. This same root is used in other scientific terms, such as osteoporosis (a condition characterized by weak bones) and osteology (the study of bones).

Example Sentences

1. Bony fish are the most diverse group of fish on earth.
2. Salmon, trout, and bass are all examples of bony fish.
3. Bony fish have a bony skeleton, which provides support and protection.
4. Sharks and rays are not considered bony fish because they have a cartilaginous skeleton.
5. Bony fish are an important source of food for humans and other animals.