What is scientific name for fish? The fish scientific name is Vertebrata (subphylum).
Fish are among the world’s most widespread animals, living in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even underground caves. This guide will explain the scientific name of the fish, its meaning, genus, classifications, pronunciation, sound, types, size, weight, height, diet, and habitat. If you have ever tried to find the scientific name of a fish, this article provides the correct and complete answer.
What is the scientific name for a fish?
There cannot be a single biological name for “fish” since fish are that massive group of animals composed of many different species, some of which belong to other orders and families. However, the general biological term applies to most bony fish:
- Scientific Name (Class): Actinopterygii
- Pronunciation: /ak-ti-nop-ter-IJ-ee-eye/
- Common Meaning: Ray-finned fishes
This class includes over 30,000 known fish species, including goldfish, tuna, salmon, trout, cod, and many others.
Fish scientific name meaning and origin
The term Actinopterygii stems from the Greek words:
- Actino: ray
- Pteryx: fin or wing
Together, they define the ray-finned nature of the fishes whose fins are supported by long, bony spines. This contrasts them with the lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii).
Fish Classification (Taxonomy Table)
| Rank | Taxonomic Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Multiple (e.g., Cypriniformes, Perciformes) |
| Family | Varies by species |
| Genus | Varies by species (e.g., Salmo, Carassius) |
| Species | Over 34,000 known species |
Common Fish Types With Zoological Names
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Genus | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goldfish | Carassius auratus | Carassius | Freshwater |
| Tilapia | Oreochromis niloticus | Oreochromis | Freshwater |
| Salmon | Salmo salar | Salmo | Fresh/Salt |
| Tuna | Thunnus albacares | Thunnus | Saltwater |
| Catfish | Ictalurus punctatus | Ictalurus | Freshwater |
| Betta Fish | Betta splendens | Betta | Freshwater |
| Clownfish | Amphiprion ocellaris | Amphiprion | Saltwater |
| Guppy | Poecilia reticulata | Poecilia | Freshwater |
| Angelfish | Pterophyllum scalare | Pterophyllum | Freshwater |
| Oscar | Astronotus ocellatus | Astronotus | Freshwater |
| Swordtail | Xiphophorus hellerii | Xiphophorus | Freshwater |
| Molly | Poecilia sphenops | Poecilia | Freshwater |
| Neon Tetra | Paracheirodon innesi | Paracheirodon | Freshwater |
| Mandarinfish | Synchiropus splendidus | Synchiropus | Saltwater |
| Rainbowfish | Melanotaenia boesemani | Melanotaenia | Freshwater |
| Blue Tang | Paracanthurus hepatus | Paracanthurus | Saltwater |
| Pufferfish | Tetraodon nigroviridis | Tetraodon | Fresh/Salt |
Fish Size, Weight, and Height
Average Fish Size by Type:
| Type | Length Range | Average Weight | Example Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Fish | 2–15 cm (0.8–6 in) | Less than 0.5 kg | Guppy, Neon Tetra |
| Medium Fish | 15–60 cm (6–24 in) | 0.5–10 kg | Trout, Tilapia |
| Large Fish | 60 cm – 2.5 m+ | 10–1,500 kg (e.g., tuna) | Salmon, Tuna |
| Largest Fish | Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) | Up to 18,000 kg | Whale Shark |
Do fish make sounds?
Yes, they do, but most of the time, we are not able to hear it.
Sounds commonly made include:
- Grunting
- Clicking
- Popping
- Drumming (mainly in the case of drums and cymbals)
They use the sounds for communication, mating signals, and, in some cases, warnings to others.
Where Do Fish Live?
Fish are live in almost every environment on Earth:
- Freshwater: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams
- Saltwater: Oceans, seas, and coastal bays
- Brackish water: Estuaries (a mixture of salt and freshwater)
What Do Fish Eat?
Fish diets depend on the species, but they generally fall into these categories:
The Carnivorous Fish:
- Feeding on smaller fish, insects, plankton, and crustaceans
- Examples: Tuna, Salmon, Pirana
The Herbivorous Fish:
- Eating algae, aquatic plants, and vegetables
- Examples: Parrotfish and Tilapia
The Omnivorous Fish:
- Feeding on both plant and animal matter
- Examples: Goldfish and Catfish
Some Interesting Fish Facts
- Fish have been living on Earth for over 500 million years.
- The smallest fish is Paedocypris progenetica, which has a maximum length of 7.9 mm.
- The whale shark is the biggest fish and can grow almost 18 meters long.
- Many fish sleep with their eyes open because they don’t have eyelids.
- Fish use their gills to breathe rather than their lungs.
Conclusion
Actinopterygii is the scientific name for fish and is a broad clade of ray-finned fish. With over thirty-four thousand species, fish are among the most diverse animals on Earth. Knowing their scientific class, genus types, size, habitat, diet, and vocalizations will give us an idea of the biological importance of fish.
Whether you are a student, researcher, or inquisitive learner, fish are rare, opening up fields for an understanding of science and biology that will deepen your appreciation for life beyond the surface of the water.
Also Read
