Paracanthopterygian

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paracanthopterygian, (superorder Paracanthopterygii), any member of a large group of predatory, primarily marine fishes that forms one of about six major branches of the Teleostei, or bony fishes. Approximately 1,340 living species of paracanthopterygian fishes have been described. They range in length from just a few centimetres to roughly 2 metres (about 7 feet). Well-known forms include the anglerfish (order Lophiiformes) and the cod (order Gadiformes).