Osteoglossiformes

9.9

A group of freshwater bony fish with a hard tongue bone, like arowanas and arapaima

noun
/ˌɑstiəˈɡlɑsəˌfɔrmiz/

Specialized

: Osteoglossiformes

The Osteoglossiformes include some of the world's largest freshwater fish, such as the arapaima.

Examples

Some species within the Osteoglossiformes are highly prized in the aquarium trade for their striking appearance.
Researchers studied the unique jaw structure found in Osteoglossiformes to better understand their feeding habits.
The Osteoglossiformes are known for their unique feeding habits.
Did you know that Osteoglossiformes include arowanas?
Researchers studied the unique jaw structure found in Osteoglossiformes to better understand their feeding habits.
Some species within the Osteoglossiformes are highly prized in the aquarium trade for their striking appearance.
The Osteoglossiformes include some of the world's largest freshwater fish, such as the arapaima.

Surface Forms

Osteoglossiformes singular

Osteoglossiformes plural

Morphology

Osteoglossiformes = osteo + gloss + iformes

This is a technical taxonomic name built from classical combining forms meaning roughly 'bone' and 'tongue' plus the zoological ending '-iformes', so the full category meaning is not readily predictable for an average learner.

Etymology

Osteoglossiformes comes from parts osteo- 'bone', gloss- 'tongue', and -formes 'shape' or 'form'. So the name means 'bony-tongued form', which helps you remember these fish have a hard, bony tongue that they use when feeding.