Otophysi

fish series

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The Otophysi are a group of bony fishes comprising about 8,000 species, making up the majority of freshwater fish worldwide. This superorder includes well-known fish like minnows, carps, suckers, piranhas, electric eels, and catfishes.1

A key characteristic of the Otophysi is the presence of the Weberian apparatus. This is a unique set of small bones that connect the fish's swim bladder to its inner ear. This apparatus enhances hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the swim bladder to the ear, giving these fish a highly developed sense of hearing compared to other fish.234

Otophysans are found in diverse freshwater habitats globally and are important food sources for humans. Some species are also popular in aquariums, while a few can be harmful or act as parasite hosts.15

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

7 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

fish
Annotated classification
Series Otophysi Characterized by possession of a complex Weberian apparatus (a swim bladder–internal ear connection with 4 movable bones). Order Characiformes Mouth not protractile; jaws toothed. Characidae most generalized; other families have specialized skeletal structures, jaws, and teeth. North, Central, and South America, and Africa. 18…
Read More
Series Otophysi Characterized by possession of a complex Weberian apparatus (a swim bladder–internal ear connection with 4 movable bones). Order Characiformes Mouth not protractile; jaws toothed. Characidae most generalized; other families have specialized skeletal structures, jaws, and teeth. North, Central, and South America, and Africa. 18…
Read More