Hiodontiformes

fish order

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July 19, 2026

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The Hiodontiformes are an order of freshwater bony fishes native to North America. This group includes the goldeye and the mooneye. Mooneyes are described as herring-like, with large eyes, deeply forked tail fins, and sharp teeth. They are known for being spirited catches but are not highly valued as food.12

Hiodontiformes are considered among the most primitive living osteoglossomorphs, a superorder of bony fishes. Osteoglossomorphs are unique in using their tongue to oppose their teeth when biting. While the order Osteoglossiformes is diverse and found globally, Hiodontiformes are exclusively found in North America.2

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osteoglossomorph
…into two orders, Osteoglossiformes and Hiodontiformes. Osteoglossiforms are a group of morphologically and biologically diverse forms primarily found in freshwater environments in Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, and islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean; however, a few osteoglossiform species enter slightly brackish water. In contrast, hiodontiforms occur only in North…
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…into two orders, Osteoglossiformes and Hiodontiformes. Osteoglossiforms are a group of morphologically and biologically diverse forms primarily found in freshwater environments in Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, and islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean; however, a few osteoglossiform species enter slightly brackish water. In contrast, hiodontiforms occur only in North…
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