How are ostariophysans related to clupeiform fishes?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

knifefish — ostariophysan Knifefish, or featherback (Xenomystus nigri)

Ostariophysans and clupeiform fishes are considered closely related groups of lower teleosts.12

Recent phylogenetic research, which incorporates molecular sequence data and a reinterpretation of the connection between the swim bladder and the inner ear in both groups, has led to their classification together within the clade Otocephala. While ostariophysans are characterized by the presence of a Weberian apparatus—a specialized bony connection between the swim bladder and the inner ear that enhances hearing—clupeiforms possess a distinct, specialized ear-swim bladder connection involving a diverticulum of the swim bladder that forms a bulla within the ear capsule.1234