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Where do perciform fishes live around the world?

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Bluefin tuna swimming underwater in a group, with silvery bodies and streamlined shapes, near Japan. — perciform Bluefin tuna (*Thunnus thynnus orientalis*) in the waters near Japan.

Perciform fishes, which constitute the largest group of fishes globally, are highly successful and occur worldwide in both marine and freshwater environments.12

Marine Distribution

Most perciforms are marine and are generally found in the coastal areas of tropical and temperate regions. They are particularly abundant in the coral reefs of tropical seas, which host a wide variety of species such as wrasses, gobies, and damselfishes. The Indo-West Pacific region is considered the world’s richest area for perciform diversity. Additionally, these fishes inhabit extreme depths, reaching more than 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) in the ocean, and represent approximately 75 percent of the fish fauna in the Antarctic.12

Freshwater Distribution

Freshwater perciforms are also widespread:
* Cichlids: Found naturally in Africa, India, South America, and parts of southern North America.2
* Perches and Sunfishes: Inhabit North America and Europe, with the European perch extending its range into Siberia.2

These fishes occupy diverse habitats, ranging from shallow freshwater ponds to the open ocean.1