Osteoglossiformes
Quick Summary
The Osteoglossiformes are an order of primitive, heavy-bodied tropical freshwater fish, commonly known as bony tongues. They are characterized by large, hard scales and a unique feature: they use their tongue to bite into food.12
These fish are found in freshwater environments across Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, and Pacific islands. Notable members include the arapaima (pirarucu) of South America, one of the world's largest freshwater fish, and various species of arowana. Some osteoglossomorphs, like certain mormyrids, can also generate and detect weak electric fields for navigation and communication in murky waters.13
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osteoglossomorph…are divided 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…
Read More…are divided 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…
Read More- osteoglossomorphAnnotated classification
OsteoglossomorphaOrder OsteoglossiformesPrimitive; well-developed teeth on tongue, skull base, and bones of the mouth cavity; caudal fin skeleton of characteristic form. Early Cretaceous to present.Suborder OsteoglossoideiSwim bladder not connected with skull; semicircular canals and lower part of inner ear connected; electric organs absent.
Read MoreOsteoglossomorphaOrder OsteoglossiformesPrimitive; well-developed teeth on tongue, skull base, and bones of the mouth cavity; caudal fin skeleton of characteristic form. Early Cretaceous to present.Suborder OsteoglossoideiSwim bladder not connected with skull; semicircular canals and lower part of inner ear connected; electric organs absent.
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