5 Questions
What is a characteristic of bony fish?
They have opercula covering their gills.
What is a characteristic of cartilaginous fish?
They have no opercula covering their gills.
Which of the following is true about cartilaginous fish?
They are usually larger in size.
What is a characteristic of bony fish?
They have homocercal tails.
What is a characteristic of cartilaginous fish?
They have heterocercal tails.
Study Notes
Characteristics of Bony Fish and Cartilaginous Fish
Skeletal System
- Bony fish have a bony skeleton
- Cartilaginous fish have a cartilaginous skeleton
Scales
- Bony fish have round-shaped scales
- Cartilaginous fish have scales that are not round in shape
Gills
- Bony fish have opercula (gill covers) covering their gills
- Cartilaginous fish have no opercula (gill covers) but have gill slits instead
Tail Structure
- Bony fish have homocercal tails (even size fins)
- Cartilaginous fish have heterocercal tails (one part is larger than the other)
Size
- Bony fish are usually smaller in size
- Cartilaginous fish are usually larger in size
Compare and contrast the characteristics of bony fish and cartilaginous fish. Learn about their skeletal system, scales, gills, tails, and size differences.
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